There is vs There are in English

Master clear English descriptions of offices and work spaces using there is, there are, there isn’t, and there aren’t. Learn the difference between singular and plural nouns, and use workplace vocabulary to speak with confidence.

How do there is and there are describe workplaces?

We use there is/there are to say that something exists in a place, especially in offices and work spaces. These forms help you list items and features quickly and clearly.

• There is one chair.
• There are many computers.
• There are many cubicles.
• There aren’t any windows.

Useful workplace vocabulary: office, work spaces, cubicles, windows.

When do we use there is, there are, there isn’t, and there aren’t?

We choose the form based on number and whether the sentence is positive or negative. Use singular or plural nouns correctly to be precise.

When do we use there is with singular nouns?

Use there is with one item.

• There is a big conference room available for trainings.
• There is a shared calendar for the team.
• There is one printer next to the reception desk.

Key nouns: conference room, shared calendar, printer, reception desk.

When do we use there are with plural nouns?

Use there are with more than one item.

• There are five remote workers on this project.
• There are many ergonomic chairs in the office.
• There are two monitors at every workstation.

Key nouns: remote workers, ergonomic chairs, monitors, workstation.

How do negatives there isn’t and there aren’t work?

Use there isn’t and there aren’t to say something does not exist in a place.

• There isn’t a projector in this room.
• There isn’t a manager in the office today.
• There isn’t a fast internet connection here.
• There aren’t many windows in this office.
• There aren’t any power outlets near my desk.
• There aren’t errors in the report.

Negative vocabulary: projector, manager, fast internet connection, power outlets, report.

How can you practice with an office activity and AI prompt?

Pause and describe differences using all four forms. Focus on what exists or does not exist.

• In the image at the bottom, there aren’t any books.
• There isn’t a pen or a notebook.
• There isn’t a mug.

Now write a prompt for your favorite AI tool to create the office of your dreams. Use there is, there are, there isn’t, and there aren’t to describe it. Add the prompt and the image you created in the comments.