Choosing between there is and there are can be surprisingly tricky, even for native speakers. While the rule seems simple—singular versus plural—there are specific nuances regarding lists, contractions, and uncountable nouns that can trip up even native speakers.
The basic rule for there is and there are
In English, “there” acts as a dummy subject (also called an expletive construction). The real subject follows the verb. To choose the correct form, look at the noun immediately following the verb:
- There is: Use for singular nouns or uncountable nouns.
- There are: Use for plural nouns.
| Noun type | Verb form | Example sentence |
| Singular | There is | There is a cat on the mat. |
| Plural | There are | There are many cats on the mat. |
| Uncountable | There is | There is water on the floor. |
| Collective | There is/are | There is a group waiting (depends on context). |
How to handle lists: The proximity rule
When you are listing multiple items, grammar experts often debate the “correct” verb. Most modern style guides follow the proximity rule: the verb should agree with the first noun in the list.
- Correct: “There is a pen, a book, and two pencils on the table.” (The verb agrees with “a pen”).
- Also correct (but formal): “There are two pencils, a book, and a pen on the table.”
Pro tip: If a list starts with a singular noun but contains many plural items, it can feel clunky. To improve flow, place a plural noun first so you can use “there are” naturally.
Recommended resources for master writing
If you’re looking to eliminate grammar mistakes for good, these are the top-rated tools used by professional writers:
- The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation: The best “no-nonsense” guide for quick rules and quizzes.
- English Grammar in Use: Perfect for visual learners who want clear charts and practice exercises.
Using there’s: Contractions in formal vs. informal writing
The contraction there’s (there + is) is ubiquitous in spoken English. You will often hear people say, “There’s many people here.”
However, in formal writing, academic papers, or professional emails, you must avoid this. “There’s” should only represent “there is” and should only be paired with singular nouns.
- Informal: “There’s five ways to solve this.”
- Formal: “There are five ways to solve this.”
There is with uncountable nouns
Uncountable nouns (mass nouns) refer to things that cannot be counted as individual units, such as advice, furniture, air, or confusion. These always take the singular “there is.”
- Correct: “There is much confusion regarding the new policy.”
- Incorrect: “There are many confusions…”
Frequently asked questions about there is and there are
Video: There is vs there are grammar lesson
Final thoughts on subject-verb agreement
Getting your subject-verb agreement right keeps your writing professional and easy to read. While the proximity rule and collective nouns can be tricky, the most reliable strategy is to identify the number of the noun immediately following the verb. By paying attention to these small details, you can avoid common pitfalls in both formal and informal English.
Join the conversation: What is your biggest grammar pet peeve?
Do you find yourself using there’s for plural nouns in text messages, or do you stick to the formal rules every time? Perhaps you have a specific sentence that always feels awkward to write. Drop a comment below with your trickiest “there is/are” examples, and share this guide with a friend who is always double-checking their subject-verb agreement!
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