Use there is for singular nouns or uncountable nouns, and there are for plural nouns. This distinction is crucial for making grammatically correct sentences and questions. There are is the plural form of there is and there’s: There are two new buildings next to the school. They are both science buildings. In speaking and in some informal writing, we use there’s even when it refers to more than one. This use could be considered incorrect in formal writing or in an examination: Use there is when the noun is singular (“There is a cat”). Use there are when the noun is plural (“There are two cats”). Read on to find out what to do when it’s not so clear cut. Simple tips to know when to use There is vs. There are in English. This blog article clears up confusion to help you speak fluently in English If we want to say that something exists or doesn't exist somewhere or at some time, we often use 'there + be'. It's often used to talk about something for the first time in a conversation. Learn English grammar - There is / There are - Affirmative sentences, Negative Sentences and Questions using There is and There are. Includes a video with a grammar lesson with pronunciation as well as some quizzes to practice the difference between There is and There are. Note: Do not confuse there, which has meanings that mostly relate to a literal or abstract location, with the words their and they're. Their has to do with what belongs to or is associated with them ( their new car ), while they're is a contraction of they are ( when they're ready ). They’re, their, and there are among the most commonly confused homophones. Here, some tricks and examples to help you use them correctly. In everyday, informal (especially spoken) English, native speakers commonly use there's (and derived forms) to introduce either a singular or plural. In more formal/careful usage, there are (and derived forms) generally appears to be preferred when the logical subject is plural. Do you know how to use there is and there are? Test what you know with interactive exercises and read the explanation to help you.