If you’ve ever paused before writing there is or there are, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common grammar questions for English learners and even native speakers.
At first glance, the two phrases seem almost identical, but choosing the wrong one can make a sentence sound awkward or grammatically incorrect.
The difference between there is vs there are comes down to one simple rule: whether you’re talking about one person or thing or more than one.
Although the rule sounds easy, real-life sentences often create confusion, especially when a sentence contains multiple nouns, long phrases, or collective ideas.
Understanding when to use there is and there are will improve your speaking, writing, emails, academic work, and professional communication.
It also helps you sound more natural in everyday conversations and avoid one of the most frequent grammar mistakes in English.
In this guide, you’ll learn the complete difference between there is vs there are, discover the grammar rules behind each phrase, explore plenty of original examples, avoid common mistakes, and gain simple memory tricks that make choosing the correct expression effortless.
Quick Answer
Use there is with a singular noun or an uncountable noun.
Use there are with plural nouns.
Examples
- There is a book on the table. ✅
- There are three books on the table. ✅
- There is some milk in the fridge. ✅
- There are many students in the classroom. ✅
In short: The noun that follows determines whether you use there is or there are.
There Is vs There Are Comparison Table
| Feature | There Is | There Are |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Indicates that one thing exists | Indicates that more than one thing exists |
| Grammar | Singular verb | Plural verb |
| Used With | Singular nouns and uncountable nouns | Plural countable nouns |
| Part of Speech | Introductory expression + singular verb | Introductory expression + plural verb |
| Pronunciation | /ðer ɪz/ | /ðer ɑːr/ (or /ðer ər/) |
| Formal Writing | Yes | Yes |
| Everyday Conversation | Very common | Very common |
| Academic Writing | Frequently used | Frequently used |
| Business Writing | Appropriate | Appropriate |
| Common Mistake | Using it before plural nouns | Using it before singular nouns |
| Example | There is a cat outside. | There are two cats outside. |
| Negative Form | There isn’t… | There aren’t… |
| Question Form | Is there…? | Are there…? |
| US English | Standard | Standard |
| UK English | Standard | Standard |
| Best Rule | Use for one | Use for more than one |
Why Do People Confuse “There Is” and “There Are”?
Many learners assume the choice depends on the word there, but that’s not true. In these expressions, there doesn’t refer to a place. Instead, it acts as a grammatical placeholder that introduces the existence of someone or something.
The real decision depends on the noun that follows.
Compare these sentences:
- There is a notebook on the desk.
- There are five notebooks on the desk.
Because the second sentence refers to multiple notebooks, the plural verb are is required.
Confusion becomes more common when a sentence contains several nouns.
For example:
- There is a pen and two pencils on the desk.
Although two pencils is plural, the first noun (a pen) is singular. In formal grammar, the verb usually agrees with the first noun that follows it.
Why “There Is” and “There Are” Matter in English
These expressions appear everywhere, including:
- Daily conversations
- School assignments
- Business emails
- Reports
- Presentations
- News articles
- Books
- Advertisements
- Social media posts
Using the wrong form may not always prevent people from understanding you, but it can make your English sound less natural and less polished.
Mastering this grammar point improves both accuracy and confidence.
Understanding Existential “There”
One of the biggest misunderstandings is believing that there always refers to a location.
Consider these sentences:
- There is a mistake in your report.
- There are several options available.
- There is plenty of time left.
In each example, there simply introduces the existence of something. It doesn’t tell us where anything is.
Linguists call this structure existential there, and it is one of the most common sentence patterns in English.
The basic pattern looks like this:
There + be verb + noun
Examples:
- There is a problem.
- There are many solutions.
- There was an accident.
- There were hundreds of people.
- There has been a change.
The verb changes according to tense and whether the noun is singular or plural.
There Is: Meaning, Grammar, and Correct Usage
What Does “There Is” Mean?
There is means that one person, one thing, or one uncountable item exists.
It introduces new information rather than describing something already mentioned.
Examples:
- There is a new teacher at our school.
- There is an email waiting for you.
- There is hope.
- There is enough water.
- There is good news today.
In every example, the sentence introduces the existence of something.
Grammar Rule for “There Is”
Use there is before:
- Singular countable nouns
- Uncountable nouns
- Singular noun phrases
Formula:
There is + singular noun
Examples:
- There is a key in my pocket.
- There is one chair left.
- There is an answer.
- There is a solution.
- There is an opportunity for everyone.
Using “There Is” with Uncountable Nouns
Uncountable nouns cannot normally be counted individually, so they use there is.
Examples include:
- Water
- Milk
- Sugar
- Furniture
- Information
- Advice
- Money
- Traffic
- Equipment
- Research
Examples:
- There is fresh coffee in the kitchen.
- There is enough information to finish the report.
- There is little traffic this morning.
- There is excellent research on this topic.
- There is extra furniture in the garage.
Even though some of these nouns represent large amounts, they remain grammatically singular.
“There Is” in Professional Writing
Business communication often uses there is to introduce facts clearly.
Examples:
- There is a scheduling conflict.
- There is a new company policy.
- There is an update regarding your application.
- There is additional documentation attached.
- There is one remaining issue to discuss.
These constructions are concise, professional, and easy to understand.
“There Is” in Academic Writing
Academic English frequently introduces evidence or observations using there is.
Examples:
- There is strong evidence supporting the theory.
- There is limited research on the subject.
- There is significant variation among participants.
- There is little agreement between researchers.
- There is growing interest in renewable energy.
This structure helps writers present information objectively.
“There Is” in Everyday Conversation
Native speakers naturally use there is throughout daily life.
Examples:
- There is your phone.
- There is my bus.
- There is someone at the door.
- There is pizza in the fridge.
- There is nothing to worry about.
- There is plenty of time.
- There is a surprise waiting for you.
These expressions make conversations sound smooth and natural.
Negative Forms of “There Is”
To say something does not exist, use the negative form.
Examples:
- There isn’t any coffee left.
- There isn’t a problem.
- There isn’t enough time.
- There isn’t an easy answer.
- There isn’t much traffic today.
In formal writing, you may also write:
- There is not enough evidence.
- There is not a single mistake.
Both forms are correct, but contractions are more common in everyday speech.
Question Forms with “There Is”
To ask whether something exists, invert the verb.
Examples:
- Is there a bank nearby?
- Is there enough food?
- Is there anyone home?
- Is there a meeting today?
- Is there a reason for the delay?
These questions are extremely common in spoken English and professional communication alike.
Common Situations Where “There Is” Is Used
You’ll most often see there is in situations such as:
- Introducing a new topic
- Describing availability
- Giving directions
- Making announcements
- Reporting facts
- Explaining a problem
- Describing locations
- Writing reports
- Starting presentations
- Answering questions
Because of its versatility, there is is one of the first grammar structures taught to English learners and one of the most frequently used by native speakers.
There Are: Meaning, Grammar, and Correct Usage
What Does “There Are” Mean?
There are is used to show that more than one person, animal, object, or idea exists. It introduces plural nouns and tells the reader or listener that multiple things are present or available.
Formula:
There are + plural noun
Examples:
- There are three books on the shelf.
- There are many students in the classroom.
- There are several reasons to celebrate.
- There are two emails waiting for you.
- There are countless stars in the night sky.
In each sentence, the noun following there are is plural, so the plural verb are is required.
Grammar Rule for “There Are”
Use there are with:
- Plural countable nouns
- Plural noun phrases
- Lists beginning with a plural noun
Examples:
- There are five chairs in the meeting room.
- There are dozens of restaurants nearby.
- There are many opportunities in this field.
- There are four cookies left.
- There are several questions to discuss.
The verb agrees with the plural noun immediately following it.
“There Are” in Professional Writing
Business communication often introduces multiple items using there are.
Examples:
- There are several updates in today’s report.
- There are three action items for the team.
- There are multiple applicants for the position.
- There are additional documents attached.
- There are new security guidelines for employees.
Using the correct plural form keeps professional writing accurate and polished.
“There Are” in Academic Writing
Academic writing frequently uses there are to introduce findings, observations, or evidence involving more than one item.
Examples:
- There are numerous studies supporting this conclusion.
- There are several factors affecting the results.
- There are important differences between the two groups.
- There are many variables to consider.
- There are limitations to this research.
This structure helps present information objectively and clearly.
“There Are” in Everyday Conversation
Native speakers use there are naturally in daily speech.
Examples:
- There are cookies in the kitchen.
- There are people waiting outside.
- There are plenty of seats available.
- There are lots of movies to watch.
- There are too many cars on the road today.
- There are birds in the garden.
- There are fresh vegetables at the market.
Negative Forms of “There Are”
To show that something does not exist in plural form, use there aren’t or there are not.
Examples:
- There aren’t any tickets left.
- There aren’t enough chairs.
- There aren’t many people here today.
- There aren’t any mistakes in your report.
- There are not enough volunteers.
In conversation, there aren’t is much more common.
Question Forms with “There Are”
To ask about the existence of multiple things, use Are there…?
Examples:
- Are there any questions?
- Are there enough seats?
- Are there good restaurants nearby?
- Are there any volunteers?
- Are there two copies available?
This pattern is one of the most common question forms in English.
There Is vs There Are: The Core Grammar Rule
The easiest way to remember the difference is to ignore the word there and look at the noun that follows the verb.
Singular noun → There is
- There is a computer on the desk.
- There is an apple in the basket.
- There is one mistake.
Plural noun → There are
- There are computers in every classroom.
- There are apples in the basket.
- There are several mistakes.
This simple rule works in almost every situation.
Subject-Verb Agreement Explained
The difference between there is vs there are is based on subject-verb agreement.
Although there comes first, it is not the subject.
The real subject is the noun after the verb.
| Sentence | Real Subject | Correct Verb |
|---|---|---|
| There is a dog outside. | dog | is |
| There are dogs outside. | dogs | are |
| There is an email waiting. | is | |
| There are emails waiting. | emails | are |
Always match the verb to the noun—not to there.
What Happens with Compound Nouns?
Sometimes a sentence includes both singular and plural nouns.
Examples:
- There is a pen and two notebooks on the desk.
- There are two notebooks and a pen on the desk.
In formal English, the verb usually agrees with the first noun after it.
First noun is singular:
✅ There is a pen and two notebooks.
First noun is plural:
✅ There are two notebooks and a pen.
Although native speakers sometimes simplify this rule in casual conversation, following it in writing is considered best practice.
What About Lists?
When introducing a list, pay attention to the first item.
Correct:
- There is a teacher, three students, and a guest.
- There are three students, a teacher, and a guest.
The first noun determines the verb.
Using “There Is” and “There Are” with Numbers
Numbers make the choice straightforward.
One
Use there is.
Examples:
- There is one seat available.
- There is one answer.
- There is one visitor.
Two or More
Use there are.
Examples:
- There are two buses.
- There are five applicants.
- There are twenty students.
Uncountable Nouns and “There Is”
Many learners mistakenly use there are with large quantities of uncountable nouns.
Remember, uncountable nouns stay grammatically singular.
Correct:
- There is water in the bottle.
- There is furniture in the office.
- There is information online.
- There is progress.
- There is homework tonight.
Incorrect:
❌ There are furniture.
❌ There are information.
Even if the amount is large, the grammar remains singular.
Can You Use “There’s” Instead of “There Is”?
Yes.
There’s is simply the contraction of there is.
Examples:
- There’s a problem.
- There’s a new movie tonight.
- There’s someone outside.
In informal speech, native speakers sometimes say:
- There’s two people waiting.
Although extremely common in conversation, many grammar experts recommend using:
- There are two people waiting.
In formal writing, reports, essays, and academic work, there are is the preferred choice before plural nouns.
Formal vs Informal Usage
Formal English
Use the grammatically correct form every time.
- There is a solution.
- There are several solutions.
Informal English
You’ll often hear:
- There’s lots of people here.
- There’s many reasons.
These expressions are common in speech but are generally avoided in formal writing.
American English vs British English
The rule is the same in both varieties of English.
American English:
- There is a car outside.
- There are several cars outside.
British English:
- There is a car outside.
- There are several cars outside.
The only noticeable difference is pronunciation and the frequency of contractions in casual speech.
Style Guide Recommendations
Major English style guides agree on the basic rule.
AP Style
- Match the verb to the noun that follows.
- Prefer grammatical accuracy in news writing.
Chicago Manual of Style
- Use proper subject-verb agreement.
- Avoid singular verbs before plural nouns in formal writing.
Oxford, Cambridge, and Merriam-Webster
Major dictionaries and grammar references consistently explain that:
- There is is used with singular and uncountable nouns.
- There are is used with plural countable nouns.
The guidance is consistent across modern English.
There Is vs There Are: Key Differences
Here are the main differences at a glance:
- There is introduces one person, place, thing, or uncountable noun.
- There are introduces multiple people, places, or things.
- There is uses the singular verb is.
- There are uses the plural verb are.
- Both expressions introduce the existence of something.
- The noun—not the word there—controls the verb.
- Uncountable nouns almost always take there is.
- Formal writing should follow standard subject-verb agreement.
- Casual speech sometimes uses there’s before plural nouns, but this is best avoided in professional writing.
Quick Summary Box
Use “there is” for one.
Use “there are” for more than one.
Use “there is” with uncountable nouns.
Look at the noun after the verb—not at the word “there.”
This simple habit will help you choose the correct expression almost every time.
Real-Life Examples of There Is vs There Are
The best way to master there is vs there are is by seeing the expressions in real situations. Below are original examples from conversations, emails, school, business, social media, and everyday life.
Everyday Conversation
- There is a message for you on the table.
- There are two dogs playing in the park.
- There is enough food for everyone.
- There are plenty of parking spaces today.
- There is someone knocking at the door.
School Examples
- There is a spelling mistake in your essay.
- There are twenty students in my English class.
- There is a science project due tomorrow.
- There are several books you should read before the exam.
Business Examples
- There is an issue with the latest invoice.
- There are three new clients joining this month.
- There is a meeting scheduled for 10 a.m.
- There are many opportunities for career growth.
Email Examples
- There is an attachment in this email.
- There are a few updates you should review before the meeting.
Social Media Examples
- There is a new video on my channel today.
- There are so many amazing comments on this post.
Daily Life Examples
- There is fresh bread at the bakery.
- There are beautiful flowers in the garden.
- There is still time to catch the train.
- There are hundreds of stars visible tonight.
- There is a great café around the corner.
- There are many reasons to stay positive.
- There is no better feeling than finishing a difficult project.
- There are countless ways to improve your English.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Many learners know the basic rule but still make mistakes in everyday writing. Here are some of the most common errors and the correct versions.
| Incorrect Sentence | Why It’s Wrong | Correct Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| There is two books on the desk. | “Books” is plural. | There are two books on the desk. |
| There are a cat outside. | “Cat” is singular. | There is a cat outside. |
| There are information online. | “Information” is uncountable. | There is information online. |
| There is many people waiting. | “People” is plural. | There are many people waiting. |
| There are an answer to your question. | “Answer” is singular. | There is an answer to your question. |
| There is several reasons to leave early. | “Reasons” is plural. | There are several reasons to leave early. |
| There are furniture in the room. | “Furniture” is uncountable. | There is furniture in the room. |
Tip: Always identify the noun immediately after the verb before choosing is or are.
Memory Tricks to Remember the Difference
Remembering the rule doesn’t have to be difficult. These simple tricks can help you make the right choice every time.
Trick 1: One vs. Many
- One = Is
- Many = Are
If you can count more than one, use there are.
Trick 2: Ignore the Word “There”
The word there is never the deciding factor.
Instead, look at the noun that follows:
- There is a pencil.
- There are pencils.
Trick 3: Ask Yourself a Question
Before writing, ask:
Am I talking about one thing or more than one?
If the answer is:
- One → There is
- More than one → There are
Trick 4: Think of the Verb
- Is = Singular
- Are = Plural
The same rule applies with other verbs in English.
Trick 5: Watch Out for Uncountable Nouns
Words like water, advice, information, furniture, equipment, research, and traffic always take there is, even if they refer to a large amount.
Examples:
- There is plenty of advice.
- There is enough equipment.
Quick Summary
Here’s the rule in its simplest form:
| Use There Is | Use There Are |
|---|---|
| One person | Two or more people |
| One object | Multiple objects |
| Singular noun | Plural noun |
| Uncountable noun | Countable plural noun |
Examples:
- There is a phone on the desk.
- There are five phones on the desk.
- There is milk in the fridge.
- There are bottles of milk in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it “there is” or “there are”?
It depends on the noun that follows. Use there is with singular and uncountable nouns, and there are with plural nouns.
Can I say “there’s two people”?
In casual conversation, many native speakers do say there’s two people. However, in formal writing and careful speech, there are two people is the grammatically correct choice.
Is “there is” used with uncountable nouns?
Yes. Uncountable nouns such as information, water, furniture, advice, and research take there is because they are grammatically singular.
Example:
- There is useful information on the website.
Which is more common in spoken English?
Both are common. However, contractions like there’s are especially frequent in everyday conversation, even before some plural nouns. Formal writing should follow standard grammar rules.
Are “there is” and “there are” interchangeable?
No. They have different grammatical functions based on subject-verb agreement. Choosing the wrong one can make a sentence grammatically incorrect.
How do I know which one to use?
Look at the noun immediately after the verb.
- Singular or uncountable → There is
- Plural → There are
Is the rule different in American and British English?
No. Both American English and British English follow the same grammar rule. The main differences are pronunciation and occasional preferences in informal speech.
Final Verdict: There Is vs There Are
When comparing there is vs there are, the answer is straightforward once you understand subject-verb agreement.
Use there is when referring to:
- A single person
- A single object
- A singular noun
- An uncountable noun
Use there are when referring to:
- Two or more people
- Multiple objects
- Plural countable nouns
Although native speakers sometimes use there’s before plural nouns in casual conversation, this is considered informal. For academic writing, professional communication, exams, and business documents, always use the grammatically correct form.
If you’re ever unsure, remember this simple rule:
One = There is
More than one = There are
By focusing on the noun—not the word there—you’ll choose the correct expression naturally and confidently every time. Whether you’re writing an essay, sending an email, or having a conversation, mastering there is vs there are will make your English clearer, more accurate, and more professional.
Ghulam Qamar is an English grammar writer and language enthusiast dedicated to simplifying complex grammar concepts. He creates clear, practical, and beginner-friendly content that helps learners improve their English writing, speaking, and communication skills.
