Introduction to 'There Is' vs 'There Are'

The choice between using 'there is' and 'there are' can have varying implications on the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. While both are correct, choosing the right one can significantly impact how your text is perceived.

Why 'There Is' or 'There Are'?

Using 'there is' or 'there are' can sometimes introduce unnecessary uncertainty into your sentences. These phrases simply introduce a subject without adding any substantive information. Instead, try to make your sentences more vivid and concrete by emphasizing the location in the first part and the objects in the latter.

More Concrete and Vivid Writing

For example, instead of saying:

ldquo;There is a clean towel in the bathroom,rdquo; you could say:

ldquo;In the bathroom, a clean towel is folded next to the sink.rdquo;

This not only emphasizes the location but also adds a descriptive detail, making the sentence more engaging and informative.

The Importance of Correct Usage

While 'there is' and 'there are' are both correct, native English speakers often ignore this rule, using 'there is' for more than one object. This can draw more attention to your writing if you insist on correct usage, making your sentences clearer and more precise.

Example Usage: A Bathroom Checklist

When describing the contents of a bathroom, choose wisely:

ldquo;There are a clean towel, a bar of soap, and a toothbrush in the bathroom.rdquo;

Or, if you prefer:

ldquo;In the bathroom, a clean towel, a bar of soap, and a toothbrush are.rdquo;

Both sentences convey the same information, but the second one emphasizes the location first, which can be more engaging and clear.

Exceptions and Variations

In some cases, you might need to use 'there is' more than once to avoid redundancy or maintain clarity. For instance:

ldquo;There is a towel, there is a bar of soap, and there is a toothbrush in the bathroom.rdquo;

In this sentence, 'there is' is used three times, each time for a different object. This can be effective in certain contexts, especially when you are emphasizing each item individually.

Using 'Are' for Multiple Items

If you are referring to multiple items, it is technically correct to use 'are' instead of 'is.' However, this rule is often ignored, and using 'there are' can draw more attention to your writing, making your sentences more noticeable.

Example Sentences with 'Are'

Here are a few examples where 'are' is used correctly for multiple items:

ldquo;There are multiple towels, multiple bars of soap, and multiple toothbrushes in the bathroom.rdquo;

This sentence is more explicit about the number of items and can be particularly useful when discussing abundance or variety.

Final Thoughts

The choice between 'there is' and 'there are' can be a matter of personal style and the context of your writing. Whether your writing is for a formal document, a creative piece, or a casual note, using 'are' for multiple items can make your sentences more precise and engaging.

Remember, the key is to be consistent and clear in your usage. As Hemingway once said, 'Writing is easy. All you do is shorten your sentences and use short words.' By doing so, you can make your writing more effective and compelling.