Grammar: There is / There are

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Is There a Swimming Pool?

Do you prefer to stay at a 5-star hotel or a budget one? In this lesson, students will discuss the experience of staying at a hotel. The lesson features audio of someone comparing three different hotels. Students will also learn and practice using "there + be" along with related vocabulary. The lesson includes a variety of engaging discussion activities and worksheets, designed to keep both adults and teenagers involved, ensuring an interactive and enjoyable learning experience.

A1 Beginner   |   General English, Speaking Lessons   |   Audio   |   Travel, Hotels   |   45 min   | A1-21

Where Do You Relax?

Where do you unwind when you need to take your mind off something? In this lesson, students will learn how to describe a living room and the different items typically found inside. The lesson features audio of two people describing their living rooms and sharing how they like to relax. Students will also practice using prepositions of place and relevant vocabulary. The lesson includes engaging discussion activities and worksheets designed to keep both adults and teenagers involved, helping them better understand the material and improve their language skills.

A1 Beginner   |   General English, Speaking Lessons   |   Audio   |   Home   |   45 min   | A1-7

In English grammar, the correct use of "there is" and "there are" is crucial for indicating the existence or presence of something. This rule is consistently followed in both British and American English. Here's a simple guide to understanding when to use "there is" and "there are":

• What are "There is" and "There are"?: "There is" and "there are" are phrases used to state that something exists or is present in a specific location or context.

• Using "There is": "There is" is used when referring to a singular noun or an uncountable noun. It indicates that one item or something uncountable is present. For example, "There is a book on the table" or "There is water in the bottle."

• Using "There are": In contrast, "there are" is used with plural nouns, indicating the presence of more than one item. For example, "There are three apples in the basket" or "There are many people at the concert."

• Questions and Negatives: These phrases can also be used in questions and negative forms. For example, "Is there a problem?" and "There isn't any milk left." Or, "Are there any cookies in the jar?" and "There aren't any cars in the parking lot."

• Usage in Various Contexts: "There is" and "there are" are commonly used in various contexts, such as describing a scene, stating facts, or in everyday conversation to point out the presence or existence of something.

• Contractions and Informal Speech: In informal speech, contractions are often used with these phrases. "There's" is a contraction for "there is," and "there're" (less commonly used) is for "there are." For example, "There's a party tonight" or "There're two cats under the tree."

Understanding the difference between "there is" and "there are" is essential for conveying accurate information about the number and presence of subjects in both spoken and written English. This distinction helps in creating clear and grammatically correct sentences.