THERE IS / THERE ARE – English Grammar Lesson

The Importance of 'There is' and 'There are' in English Grammar

Understanding the correct usage of 'There is' and 'There are' is crucial for effective communication in English. These phrases are used to express the existence or presence of objects, people, or situations. By mastering their usage, you can enhance your English skills and fluency.

Usage of 'There is' and 'There are'

'There is' is used when we are referring to one singular object, person, or situation. On the other hand, 'There are' is used when we are referring to multiple objects, people, or situations.

For example, if you want to express that a book is present, you would say, "There is a book on the table." However, if you want to express that multiple books are present, you would say, "There are books on the table."

Examples of 'There is' and 'There are'

Let's explore some examples to further understand the usage of 'There is' and 'There are'.

Example 1:

There is a cat in the garden.

In this sentence, we are referring to a singular object, which is the cat, so we use 'There is'.

Example 2:

There are flowers in the vase.

In this sentence, we are referring to multiple objects, which are the flowers, so we use 'There are'.

Additional Rules and Exceptions

While the basic usage of 'There is' and 'There are' is straightforward, there are a few additional rules and exceptions to be aware of.

Rule 1: Agreement with Objects

'There is' is used with singular nouns, and 'There are' is used with plural nouns. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the verb agrees with the subject.

For example:

• There is a book on the shelf.
• There are many books on the shelf.

Rule 2: Unspecific Countable Nouns

When referring to unspecific countable nouns, 'There is' is used. It implies that there is at least one of the specific object being referred to.

For example:

• There is a car parked outside.
• There is a problem with the computer.

Rule 3: Unspecified Quantities

When referring to unspecified quantities or measurements, 'There is' is generally used.

For example:

• There is some milk in the fridge.
• There is a little sugar in the bowl.

Practice Exercises

To reinforce your understanding of 'There is' and 'There are', here are some practice exercises:

Exercise 1:

Complete the sentences by using 'There is' or 'There are'.

1. ___ a dog in the park.
2. ___ two apples on the table.
3. ___ an interesting movie on TV.

Exercise 2:

Choose the correct answer: 'There is' or 'There are'.

1. ___ some people waiting outside.
2. ___ a bird flying in the sky.
3. ___ many stars in the night sky.

Conclusion

Mastering the correct usage of 'There is' and 'There are' in English grammar is essential for effective communication. By using these phrases accurately, you can clearly convey the existence or presence of objects, people, or situations. Regular practice and exposure to various examples will improve your proficiency in this area. Remember to always pay attention to subject-verb agreement and the context in which you are using these phrases.

Start improving your English grammar skills today with NJCLT's comprehensive lesson on 'There is' and 'There are'!