Common Words and Expressions with "There Is/There Are"

This page explores the frequent use of the "there is/there are" construction with specific words and expressions, enhancing its versatility in describing quantities and situations.

Highlight: The "there + be" construction is often used with the following words and expressions:

1. A lot of, many, much (meaning "a large amount" or "a large number"):

   • There is too much noise in here.

2. More (indicating a greater amount):

   • There are more seats than passengers.

3. Some, any (indicating an unspecified amount):

   • There is some justice in this world after all.

4. Enough/not enough (indicating a sufficient or insufficient amount):

   • There won't be enough time to finish it today.

5. Bound to be (meaning "certain to be" or "sure to be"):

   • There is bound to be a long queue.

Example: These expressions can be combined with "there is/there are" to create more specific and nuanced statements:

• There are a lot of people waiting for the bus.
• There isn't enough food for everyone at the party.
• There are bound to be some challenges in learning a new language.

Vocabulary:

• Queue: A line of people waiting for something

These combinations allow for more precise descriptions of quantities, probabilities, and situations, making "there is/there are" a versatile and essential construction in English grammar.

Understanding the "There Is/There Are" Construction

The "there is/there are" construction is a crucial grammatical structure in English used to express the existence or non-existence of objects or people in a particular place. This page provides a comprehensive explanation of its usage and forms.

Definition: The "there is/there are" construction is used to state that something exists or doesn't exist in a specific location.

Examples of usage:

1. There is somebody at the door.
2. There are twenty girls in my dance group.
3. There isn't any cake left for you.
4. There aren't any keys on the desk.

Highlight: The form of the verb "to be" following "there" depends on the noun that comes after it.

For singular nouns, use "there is":

• There is a fountain in the middle of the garden.

For plural nouns, use "there are":

• There are two new programmes on TV tonight.

Example: This construction can be used in various tenses by changing the form of the verb "to be":

• There have been five outbreaks of avian flu since 2010.
• There weren't any complaints about accommodation.
• There might be more tea in the other pot.

Vocabulary:

• Avian flu: A type of influenza that spreads among birds
• Accommodation: A place where someone lives or stays