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there is

Use​

In sentences which say that something exists (or does not exist) somewhere, we usually use there as a kind of preparatory subject, and put the real subject after the verb. Note the pronunciation of there: usually /ðə(r)/, not /ðeə(r)/.

  • There’s a hole in my sleeve. (More natural than A hole is in my sleeve.)
  • There’s ice on the lake. (More natural than Ice is on the lake.)

It cannot be used in this way.

  • There is a lot of noise in the street. (not It is a lot of noise in the street.)

There are is used with plural subjects.

  • I don’t know how many people there are in the waiting room. (not ... how many people there is ...)

However, there’s can begin sentences with plural subjects in informal speech.

  • There’s two men at the door, Dad.
  • There’s some grapes in the fridge, if you’re still hungry.

Indefinite subjects​

We use there in this way particularly with subjects that have indefinite articles, no article, or indefinite determiners like some, any, no; and with indefinite pronouns like somebody, nothing.

  • There are some people outside.
  • There were no footsteps to be seen.
  • There’s something worrying me.
  • Is there anybody at home?
  • There was dancing in the streets.

Note the use of wrong and the matter (see here).

  • There’s something wrong.
  • Is there anything the matter?

Note also the structures with sense, point, use (see here) and need.

  • There’s no sense in making him angry.
  • Is there any point in talking about it again?
  • Do you think there’s any use trying to explain?
  • There’s no need to hurry—we’ve got plenty of time.

All tenses​

There can be used in this way with all tenses of be.

  • Once upon a time there were three wicked brothers.
  • There has never been anybody like you.
  • There will be snow later in the week.

And there can be used in question tags (see here).

  • There’ll be enough for everybody, won’t there?

Structures with auxiliary be​

There can also be used in structures where be is a progressive or passive auxiliary. Note the word order.

  • There was a girl swimming in the lake. (= A girl was swimming ...) (not There was swimming a girl ...)
  • There have been more Americans killed in road accidents than in all the wars since 1900. (= More Americans have been killed ...) (not There have been killed more Americans...)
  • There’ll be somebody meeting you at the airport.

More complex structures​

There can be used with modal verb + be, and with some other verbs (e.g. seem, appear, happen, tend) before to be.

  • There might be drinks if you wait for a bit.
  • There must be something we can do.
  • If the police hadn’t closed the road, there could have been a bad accident.
  • There seem to be some problems. (not There seems to be ...)
  • Could you be quiet? There happens to be a lecture going on.
  • There tends to be jealousy when a new little brother or sister comes along.

Note also the structure there is/are certain/sure/likely/bound to be.

  • There is sure to be trouble when she gets his message.
  • Do you think there are likely to be delays?

Infinitives (there to be) and -ing forms (there being) are also used.

  • I don’t want there to be any more trouble.
  • What’s the chance of there being an election this year?

Other verbs: there lived ...​

In a formal or literary style, some other verbs can be used with there besides be. These are mostly verbs which refer to states or arrivals.

  • In a small town in Germany there once lived a poor shoemaker.
  • There remains nothing more to be done.
  • Suddenly there entered a strange figure dressed all in black.
  • There followed an uncomfortable silence.

Definite subjects​

There is not normally used in a sentence with a definite subject (e.g. a noun with a definite article, or a proper name).

  • The door was open. (not There was the door open.)
  • James was at the party. (not There was James at the party.)

One exception to this is when we simply name people or things, in order to draw attention to a possible solution to a problem.

  • ‘Who could we ask?’ ‘Well, there’s James, or Miranda, or Anna, or Emma, ...’
  • ‘Where can he sleep?’ ‘Well, there’s always the attic.’

Another apparent exception is in oral stories that begin There was this ..., when this has an indefinite sense.

  • There was this man, see, and he couldn’t get up in the mornings. So he ...