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Rimma Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

There is/There are

Hello there,

I assume that i am starting forgeting some very simple grammar things like there is/ there are. I know when to use there is (with the nouns in a singular form) and there are (with plural nouns). But one thing puzzles me.

1) There is or are a pen and a pencil, two books and three erasers on the table. (It puzzles me. Is it a correct structure?)

Or I can say:

2) There are three erasers and two books, a pen and a pencil. (it is simple, i know).

Thanks.
  

Top answer

You can use either. , to only the next item in the list).

— Mister Micawber

  • You can use either.
  • , to only the next item in the list).
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9 Answers
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You can use either. It depends on whether you have thought ahead to multiple items or whether you are thinking linearly (i.e., to only the next item in the list).
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Hi,
There are a pen, a pencil, two books and three erasers on the table. -- This one is correct.

Compare:

There is a pen, a pencil and an eraser on the table. -- Some consider this kind of sentence to be correct, too.

Even in that sentence I would use the plural verb, though.

Regards
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Hi,
Since I realized MM had seen the situation differently, which made me feel doubtful about what I wrote,

I decided to delve further into this topic. Fortunately, I found a lucid explanation for this issue.

Please have a look at the following link to find out what an expletive sentence is:

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The link helps a lot and and i found it very interesting and useful, though.

Expletive sentence is There are a table and a chair in the kitchen. - sounds a bit unnaturally for me
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Hi Rimma

I hope you find the following useful.

Please note that in British English, it should be:

There is a cat and a dog.

Below is the information extracted from two books on English usage. The first book is on British English usage, the second on American English usage.

The Right Word at the Right Time states as follows:

There is an appl
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Yoong LiatHi RimmaI hope you find the following useful.Please note that in British English, it should be: There is a cat and a dog. Below is the information extracted from two books on English usage. The first book is on British English usage, the second on American English usage. The Right Word at the Right Time states as follows: There is an apple and pears for dessert.
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rimmaI assume that i am starting forgetting some very simple grammar things
Rimma, a small point of grammar for you to remember:

You should avoid using the -ing form of verbs immediately after the progressive aspect -ing of certain (mainly aspectual) verbs like start,
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Hello,

Oh, thanks a lot. Of course, i will. I see that's very important.

Does my sentence sound unnaturally and grammatically incorrect?

Thanks a lot.
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