There is/ there are

How "There is/There are" Work

These expressions set the stage for what comes next in a sentence, highlighting the existence or presence of people, places, things, or ideas. The choice between "there is" and "there are" depends on the noun that follows:

"There is" for a single item or uncountable noun.
"There are" for multiple items or plural nouns.
Examples of "There is/There are"

There is a book on the table.
There is water in the bottle.
There are three cookies in the jar.
There are many reasons to celebrate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Agreement Between "There is/There are" and the Subject

✅ Correct: There is a cat on the roof.

❌ Incorrect: There are a cat on the roof. (The subject "cat" is singular, so "there is" should be used.)

✅ Correct: There are two cats on the roof.

❌ Incorrect: There is two cats on the roof." (The subject "two cats" is plural, so "there are" should be used.)

2. Confusing "There is" and "There are" in Questions

✅ Correct: Are there any messages for me?

❌ Incorrect: Is there any messages for me? (When asking about plural nouns like "messages," use "are there.")

3. Forgetting to Switch from "There is" to "There are" When Necessary

✅ Correct: There is a cookie left. There are no more cookies left.

❌ Incorrect: "There is a cookie left. There is no more cookies left." (The switch from singular "a cookie" to plural "cookies" requires changing "is" to "are.")

4. Mixing Up "There is" with Uncountable Nouns

✅ Correct: There is a lot of snow outside.

❌ Incorrect: There are a lot of snow outside. (Snow is uncountable; therefore, "there is" should be used.)

5. Misuse in Conditional Sentences

✅ Correct: If there are any questions, please let me know.

❌ Incorrect: If there is any questions, please let me know. (Questions are countable and potentially plural, so "are" is correct.)