Saying that something exists or is located somewhere: there is/are, negatives and questions
I can describe what exists in a place and ask about facilities.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Is there a cash machine near here? — Yes, there's one next to the station.
Is there a cash machine near here? — Yes, there's one next to the station.
There are no tickets left, but there's a waiting list.
There are no tickets left, but there's a waiting list.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
There is/are introduces what exists in a place:
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| there is + singular | There's a café on the corner. |
| there are + plural | There are two banks here. |
| negative | There isn't any milk. There aren't any seats. |
| question | Is there a pharmacy near here? |
The real subject follows the verb — agreement goes with it: There are two banks.
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises
Practice Exercisesit is used for existence
Existence → there is/are; identification → it is
Agreement with there, not the subject
Match the noun after the verb: there are two banks
Is there a cash machine near here? — Yes, there's one next to the station.
Is there a cash machine near here? — Yes, there's one next to the station.
Existence question + short there-answer.
There are no tickets left, but there's a waiting list.
There are no tickets left, but there's a waiting list.
Negative plural + positive singular in one line.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises