Start with a real moment.
You have just checked into a hotel. To introduce something in the room, say “There is a desk by the window.” To identify where a known desk is, say “The desk is by the window.” The first introduces the desk; the second gives information about a desk you already have in mind.
See how the sentence works.
There + be + noun + place
Read the sentence as one idea, then notice the job each part does.
Understand the choices.
Use there is with a singular countable noun or an uncountable noun: “There is a lift.” “There is some water.” Use there are with plural nouns: “There are two towels.” Choose the verb from the noun you are introducing.
For questions, put be before there: “Is there a pharmacy nearby?” “Are there any buses after midnight?” A useful short reply is “Yes, there is” or “No, there aren’t.” You do not need to repeat the entire question.
There was and there were describe a past situation. There will be describes a future one. Informal speakers sometimes use there’s before a list or a plural, but match singular and plural carefully in formal writing and beginner practice.
Useful sentences, in context.
There are two sockets beside the bed.
Two sockets requires are.
Is there any vegetarian food?
Food is uncountable here, so use is.
There was a long queue at the station.
Was places the situation in the past.
A small change makes a difference.
AvoidThere have two chairs in the room.
UseThere are two chairs in the room.
English uses there + be to express existence. Have normally needs a possessor: “The room has two chairs.”
A MOMENT TO PRACTISE
Your turn.
Choose an answer, then check the explanation. There is no timer and nothing to sign up for.
TAKE IT INTO YOUR DAY
Make it yours.
Look around your room. Introduce three things with there is or there are, then ask a question about something you cannot see.
Further reading · Cambridge Dictionary — English Grammar Today
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