Understanding 'There Is' and 'There Are': A Simple Guide
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21 cards
Question: What do we use 'there is' and 'there are' for in English?
Answer: To express the existence of something (like Spanish 'haber') and to ask about existence.
Question: Choose the correct form: '_____ somebody at the door.'
Answer: There's somebody at the door. (There is)
Question: How do you form a question asking if something exists using 'there'? Give an example.
Answer: Invert verb and 'there': 'Is there an apple on this tree?' or 'Are there any questions?'
Question: Which form do you use with singular countable nouns: 'there is' or 'there are'?
Answer: There is (e.g., There is an apple on this tree.)
Question: Which form do you use with plural nouns: 'there is' or 'there are'?
Answer: There are (e.g., There are books in his bag.)
Question: How do you make a negative sentence with 'there is' for a singular noun?
Answer: Use 'there isn't' (There isn't an apple on this tree.)
Question: How do you make a negative sentence with 'there are' for plural nouns?
Answer: Use 'there aren't' (There aren't books in his bag.)
Question: Give the short affirmative responses using 'there' for yes answers.
Answer: Yes, there is. / Yes, there are.
Question: Give the short negative responses using 'there' for no answers.
Answer: No, there isn't. / No, there aren't.
Question: Choose the correct option: '_____ four chairs in the living room.'
Answer: There are four chairs in the living room.