There Is and There Are

Welcome to lesson 12 of A1. Today we're going to work on there is and there are.

By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to describe what exists in a place with more confidence.

Let's start with the main idea. English becomes much easier when you learn complete patterns instead of translating one word at a time. Listen to these examples and notice how the structure works in context.

There is a café near here. There are two chairs. There isn't a bank. Are there any shops?.

Now say the examples again slowly. Focus on the part of the sentence that changes. Then try to create one new example about your own life.

Here's an important point to remember. Use 'there is' for one thing and 'there are' for more than one.

Let's do a quick practice. Pause for a moment after each prompt and answer out loud.

First: make one sentence about yourself using today's language.
Second: make the same idea negative, if that is possible.
Third: turn one example into a question or a different situation.
Fourth: create one sentence about another person.

Don't worry if your answer is not perfect. The goal is to produce English actively, not only recognize it.

Now listen once more to the model language: There is a café near here. There are two chairs. There isn't a bank. Are there any shops?.

Before we finish, say one original sentence without looking at the examples. If you can do that, you're already turning the lesson into active English.

Great work. Review today's examples, practice them aloud, and continue to the next lesson when you're ready.