English — there is / there are

English changes the verb for number: there is for one thing, there are for several.

How it works

✓ Rule

Use there is (there's) for a singular or uncountable noun: There is a problem. Use there are for plurals: There are two problems. Negative: there isn't / there aren't.

Examples

there is / there are
Type	Example
singular	There is a book.
plural	There are books.
negative	There isn't any milk.

Good to know

⚠ Note

In questions, invert: Is there a bank near here? Are there any shops? With uncountable nouns use there is: There is some water. The past forms are there was / there were.