There is and there are are forms of the verb to be that show something exists. Use there is with singular nouns, as in there is a book on the table, and there are with plural nouns, as in there are two cats in the garden. The number of things decides which form to use.
Grammar Rule
This is a form of the verb to be that shows something exists. The number of things decides whether we use is or are.
There Is / There Are: Forms and Examples
| Form | Used for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| there is | singular | There is a book on the table. |
| there are | plural | There are two cats in the garden. |
| there isn’t | negative singular | There isn’t a dog in the house. |
| there aren’t | negative plural | There aren’t any apples in the box. |
Remember: the number of things decides whether we use is or are.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using there is or there are correctly. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
«There is» and «There are» – Affirmative and Negative
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Frequently Asked Questions
When do you use there is?
Use there is with singular nouns, as in there is a book on the table.
When do you use there are?
Use there are with plural nouns, as in there are two cats in the garden.
How do you make there is negative?
Add not to form there isn’t, as in there isn’t a dog in the house.
How do you make there are negative?
Add not to form there aren’t, as in there aren’t any apples in the box.