One of the first grammar structures English learners study is there is and there are. These phrases are very useful when talking about the existence or location of people, places, and things. In this post, we’ll look at how to make affirmative statements, negative statements, contractions, and yes/no questions with there is/there are. We’ll also explore common mistakes and give you plenty of examples so you can practice.
1. Affirmative Statements with There is / There are
We use there is with singular nouns (one person or thing) and there are with plural nouns (two or more people or things).
- There is + singular noun
- There is a bookstore near the university.
- There is an ATM in the grocery store.
- There is a park close to downtown.
- There are + plural noun
- There are fresh apples in the grocery store.
- There are two theaters next to the mall.
- There are a lot of trees in the park.
👉 Tip!
Think of there is/there are as a way to “point out” that something exists or is located somewhere.
2. Negative Statements with There is / There are
To say that something does not exist or is not located somewhere, add not for singular nouns. Add not any for plural nouns.
- There is not + singular noun
- There is not a gym next to the university.
- There isn’t a library in my neighborhood.
- There are not + any + plural noun
- There are not any zoos close to my house.
- There aren’t any buses late at night.
3. Contractions
In spoken English, contractions make sentences shorter and more natural.
- There is → There’s
- There’s a park in front of the bank.
- There’s a hair salon in the mall.
⚠️ Important!
We usually do not contract ‘There is’ in a negative statement. The ‘Be’ verb ‘is’ and the negative ‘not’ are usually contracted instead.
⚠️ There’s not a park in my neighborhood.
✅ There isn’t a park in my neighborhood.
We do not contract there are.
❌ You cannot say “There’re.” Always use the full form: There are…
4. Yes/No Questions and Short Answers with There is / There are
We often use there is/there are to ask questions about places and things.
- Is there + singular noun?
- Is there a hospital near the bus stop? → Yes, there is. / No, there isn’t.
- Is there a fire station next to the convenience store? → No, there isn’t.
- Are there + (any) + plural noun?
- Are there theaters close to your house? → Yes, there are.
- Are there any hotels downtown? → Yes, there are.
- Are there any churches in your neighborhood? → No, there aren’t.
👉 Note!
The word any is optional but very common in plural questions.
Common Mistakes for Spanish Speakers
Spanish speakers often confuse there is and there are because Spanish usually uses forms of haber such as hay for both singular and plural ideas.
In English, the verb changes depending on whether the noun is singular or plural.
❌ Incorrect: There is many students in the class.
✅ Correct: There are many students in the class.
❌ Incorrect: There are a book on the table.
✅ Correct: There is a book on the table.
Another common mistake is forgetting that there is not the subject. The noun after the verb controls whether you use is or are.
Quick Rule:
- Singular noun → There is
- Plural noun → There are
❌ Incorrect: There is two cars outside.
✅ Correct: There are two cars outside.
❌ Incorrect: There are a problem.
✅ Correct: There is a problem.
Contractions are also very common in spoken English:
There is → There’s
There are → usually not contracted in formal writing
Practice Tip: After you write there is or there are, immediately look at the noun that follows. Ask yourself: “Is it singular or plural?”
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ There is two restaurants near here.
✅ There are two restaurants near here.
❌ There are a park in the city center.
✅ There is a park in the city center.
❌ There’re many people in the stadium.
✅ There are many people in the stadium.
Let’s Practice!
Exercise A
Fill in the blank with There is or There are. Use contractions when possible.
- ____ a bank near my house.
- ____ a mall next to the post office.
- ____ coffee shops in your neighborhood.
- ____ four bookstores in the mall.
- ____ six people at the bus stop.
- ____ an ATM in front of the bank.
- ____ books at the library.
- ____ a parking lot behind the grocery store.
Exercise B
Change the affirmative statements in Exercise A into negative statements. You will write 8 negative statements. Use contractions when possible.
Exercise C
Write a Yes/No question using the given information.
- a mall / near the bus stop
- convenience stores / near here
- coffee shops / downtown
- a bank / across from / the museum
- parks / close to / your house
Scoring & Feedback
🔵 18 – 21 Correct
Excellent work! 🎉 You are ready to use ‘There is’ and ‘There are’ in your daily life. Keep using them in your everyday conversations and writing.
🟢 15 – 17 Correct
Good effort! ✅ You are on the right track. Review the ones you missed and keep practicing.
🔴 0 – 14 Correct
No Worries! 🌱 You’re learning, and that’s what matters. Take a moment to review the examples and do the quiz again.
Conclusion
Use the simple present every day when you talk about your life. Practice asking Yes/No questions. The more you practice, the easier it becomes! Subscribe for updated content from Beyond English!
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