We use ‘there is/are’ to say that something exists.
When we use the verb ‘exist’, it implies that the thing’s existence is in question or doubt. So it is correct to say, “I think ghosts exist”, or to ask, “do you think aliens exist?” But it is very odd to say “the pencil exists on the table”. For this, we want to say “there is a pencil on the table”.
Select your level and topic!
Beginner Topics
Review count and non count nouns.
They are, there are, or their? – Commonly confused words
Cluttered Table Game – While this game is designed to practice prepositions of place, it lends itself well to practicing there is/are and it is/they are.
Try the Simple Present Quiz – House and home
There is/are Present and Past Simple Quiz – House and home
There is/are and to be in Present Simple and Past – Technology
Present Simple
Affirmative:
There is + singular noun
There are + plural noun
Negative:
There isn’t + singular noun
There aren’t + plural noun
Interrogative:
Is there + singular noun
Are there + plural noun
Past Simple
Affirmative:
There was + singular noun
There were + plural noun
Negative:
There wasn’t + singular noun
There weren’t + plural noun
Interrogative:
Was there + singular noun
Were there + plural noun
Practice the Present Simple.
Add there is, there are, there isn’t, there aren’t, is there, or, are there.
High Beginner
There is/are in all Simple Tenses
Try the Simple Present/Past/Future Quiz – Renting an apartment
There is/are in Simple Present, Past, and Future Quiz and Convo. – Travel and Tourism
There is/are in Simple Tenses with Quantifiers Quiz– Travel and Tourism
Intermediate
Let’s learn how to use there is/are in more ways.
Check out how we use it in each of these tenses:
Try the quiz!
Try the Mixed Tenses Quiz – Travel and tourism
Advanced Chart
Common phrases with there is:
There is something to be said for…
There is no doubt that…
There is no escaping the fact that…
There is strength in numbers…
There is no such thing as a free lunch.
