A1 Grammar Lesson 10

UNIT 10 – Grammar Rules

10A — There’s a… / There are some…

1. Affirmative (Positive Sentences)

We use there is and there are to talk about the existence of something in a place.

The Form:

There + is + a/an + singular noun

There + are + some / a lot of / two… + plural noun

Examples:

  • There’s a mirror on the wall.
  • There is a dictionary in my bag.
  • There are some magazines on the table.
  • There are three students in the class.

2. Negative

To make negative sentences, we add not after is / are.

The Form:

There + isn’t + a/an + singular noun

There + aren’t + any + plural noun

Examples:

  • There isn’t a mirror in the bathroom.
  • There isn’t a book on my desk.
  • There aren’t any towels in the cupboard.
  • There aren’t any apples in the fridge.

3. Questions

To make questions, we put is / are at the beginning.

The Form:

Is + there + a/an + singular noun…?

Are + there + any + plural noun…?

Examples:

  • Is there a towel in the bathroom? → Yes, there is / No, there isn’t.
  • Is there a toilet on this floor? → Yes, there is / No, there isn’t.
  • Are there any clean glasses? → Yes, there are / No, there aren’t.
  • Are there any books here? → Yes, there are / No, there aren’t.
✔ Use “some” in positive sentences:
  • There are some chairs on the balcony.
  • There are some postcards on the desk.
✘ Use “any” in negatives and questions:
  • There aren’t any pillows on the sofa.
  • Are there any free tables?

Quiz 1