"there is a lot of rubbish" vs "there are a lot of rubbish"

Question

"there is a lot of rubbish" vs "there are a lot of rubbish"

The correct phrase is 'there is a lot of rubbish.' In this case, 'rubbish' is considered a non-count noun, so it is treated as singular. The verb 'is' agrees with the singular noun 'rubbish.'

Last Updated: March 30, 2024

Use 'there is a lot of rubbish' when referring to a large amount of rubbish as a singular entity.

Examples:

There is a lot of rubbish in the backyard.
There is a lot of rubbish on the street.
There is a lot of rubbish in the bin.
There is a lot of rubbish to clean up.
There is a lot of rubbish to dispose of.

Alternatives:

There is a large amount of rubbish.
There is a ton of rubbish.
There is a pile of rubbish.
There is a heap of rubbish.
There is a mountain of rubbish.

Answer 1

there is a lot of rubbish

This phrase is correct. 'Rubbish' is a non-count noun, so it is treated as singular.

Answer 2

there are a lot of rubbish

This phrase is incorrect. 'Rubbish' is a non-count noun and should be treated as singular.

"there is a lot of rubbish" vs "there are a lot of rubbish"

there is a lot of rubbish

there are a lot of rubbish

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