Topic of the Day: Describing What's Around You! "There is / There are"

Hello everyone! Today, let's master a brand new grammar point: "There is / There are." This is such a handy expression—perfect for talking about the items in your room or introducing buildings in your neighborhood.

It might look a little tricky at first, but the rules are super simple. Once you grasp the basics, anyone can use it like a pro. So, let’s relax and get started!

1. The Basic Form: "There is / There are"

First, let’s look at the most important part: the basic structure. We use this when we want to say that something exists or is located somewhere.

【Basic Pattern】
There is + singular (one item) + location.
There are + plural (two or more items) + location.

Example 1: There is a book on the desk.
Example 2: There are two cats under the chair.

💡 Tip: It all depends on what follows!

In normal sentences (like "I am..."), you decide the verb based on the first word. But in this construction, you decide whether to use is or are based on the word that comes after it.

  • If there is only one (a book, a cat, etc.) ➡ use is
  • If there are two or more (two books, many people, etc.) ➡ use are

【Fun Fact】
The word "There" here doesn't actually mean "at that place." Think of it as a signal that tells the listener, "I’m about to give you some new information!" That’s why, in English, we don't translate it as "over there," but simply as "there is/are."

★ Recap:
Use There is for one thing, and There are for two or more!

2. Negative Sentences: "There is no..." / "There are no..."

To say something doesn't exist, just add not after is or are. It follows the same rules as the be-verbs you already know!

【Negative Pattern】
There is not (isn't) ...
There are not (aren't) ...

Example: There isn't a TV in my room.

⚠️ Common Mistake: How to use "any"

In negative sentences with plural nouns, we often use any. This adds a sense of emphasis, meaning "not even one."

× There aren't notebooks.
○ There aren't any notebooks.

3. Questions: "Is there...?" / "Are there...?"

When you want to ask if something exists, just move is / are to the front of There. Again, just like the standard be-verb rules!

【Question Pattern】
Is there ...? / Are there ...?

【How to answer】
Yes, there is. / No, there isn't.
Yes, there are. / No, there aren't.

Example: Is there a park near your house?
- Yes, there is.

★ Recap:
Add not for negatives, and move Is / Are to the front for questions!

4. Past Tense: "There was / There were"

An important part of your studies is talking about the past. To say something "was there," just change the be-verbs into their past forms.

  • Past form of is ➡ was
  • Past form of are ➡ were

【Past Tense Pattern】
There was + singular ...
There were + plural ...

Example: There was a big tree here.
Example: There were many students in the gym.

5. A Common Point of Confusion: "There is" vs. "Have"

Since both are often translated into the same concept in Japanese, it's easy to get them mixed up. Think about it this way:

① When to use There is / are
When you want to describe that something exists as part of a scene or location.
Example: There is a piano in the classroom. (A piano is sitting in the room.)

② When to use Have
When you want to express that someone possesses or owns something.
Example: I have a piano. (I own a piano.)

💡 A helpful trick:
Think of There is / are as what you would see if you took a snapshot of a room with your camera!

🌟 Final Check: Don't forget these!

1. Don't mix up the combinations: There is + one / There are + two or more!
2. Negative and question sentences follow the same be-verb (is/are) rules!
3. Use was / were for past events!
4. Include any when using negative or question forms with plural nouns!

At first, you might mix up There is and It is, but as you practice, it will become second nature. Try starting by describing what's on your desk: "There is a pencil on my desk." Take it one step at a time, and have fun with it!