📚 Understanding 'There Is/Are': A Foundational Guide
Welcome, aspiring wordsmiths! The 'there is/are' construction is a common point of confusion, but with a clear understanding, you'll master it in no time. Unlike typical sentences where the subject comes before the verb, with 'there is/are,' the subject follows the verb. This means the verb must agree with the *actual* subject that appears after it.
📜 A Brief Look at Grammatical Evolution
The use of 'there' as an expletive (or dummy subject) dates back centuries, serving to introduce a statement or emphasize the existence of something. This grammatical structure allows for flexibility in sentence construction but requires careful attention to subject-verb agreement. While its function has remained consistent, the rules for agreement are steadfast in modern English, including within academic contexts like MLA formatting.
🎯 Core Principles of Agreement with 'There Is/Are'
🔍 Identify the True Subject: The word 'there' is never the subject of the sentence. The actual subject always follows the verb 'is' or 'are'.
🔢 Singular Subject, Singular Verb: If the noun following 'is/are' is singular, use 'there is'.
Example: There is a book on the table.
➕ Plural Subject, Plural Verb: If the noun following 'is/are' is plural, use 'there are'.
Example: There are many students in the library.
🔗 Compound Subjects: When a compound subject (multiple subjects joined by 'and') follows the verb, the verb is typically plural.
Example: There are a pen and a notebook in my bag.
⚖️ Subjects with 'Or'/'Nor': If the compound subject is joined by 'or' or 'nor', the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Example: There is a cat or two dogs in the yard. (Incorrect - 'cat' is closer, but two dogs is plural)
Correct Example: There are two dogs or a cat in the yard. (Verb agrees with 'dogs')
📚 MLA Format Adherence: MLA (Modern Language Association) style guides follow standard English grammar rules for subject-verb agreement. There are no special exceptions for 'there is/are' in MLA; the fundamental principles apply.
✍️ Practical Application & Examples
Let's look at some real-world applications to solidify your understanding:
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|
| There is a new policy in effect. | 'Policy' is singular, so 'is' is used. |
| There are several reasons for this decision. | 'Reasons' is plural, so 'are' is used. |
| There is little hope left. | 'Hope' is an uncountable (singular) noun, so 'is' is used. |
| There are no excuses for tardiness. | 'Excuses' is plural, so 'are' is used. |
| There is a list of names on the board. | 'List' is singular, so 'is' is used. |
| There are two chairs and a small table in the room. | Compound subject ('chairs and table'), but the verb agrees with the *first* plural subject if listed first, or the *closest* subject to the verb. In this case, 'chairs' makes it plural. |
| There is either a solution or a problem. | 'Solution' is singular and closest to the verb, so 'is' is used. |
✅ Mastering Your Agreement Skills
By consistently identifying the true subject that follows 'there is/are', you can confidently apply the correct verb form. Remember, practice makes perfect! Pay close attention to singular, plural, and compound subjects, and you'll ensure your writing is grammatically sound and professional, adhering perfectly to MLA expectations.