Use "Is there?" with singular nouns. (Is there a pencil in the box?)
Use "Are there?" with plural nouns. (Are there two pencils in the box?)
| Question form | Negative question | |||
singular noun |
there is |
is there |
isn't there |
|
plural noun |
there are |
are there |
aren't there |
There is/are questions
| There is/are (noun) (prep. phase) | Is/Are there (noun) (prep. phrase) |
| There is a rug on the floor. | Is there a rug on the floor? |
| There are men at the door. | Are there men at the door? |
| There are fifty cats in Canada. | Are there fifty cats in Canada? |
| There is a letter in the box. | Is there a letter in the box? |
Question formation
| 1. Start with the basic statement. | There is a desk at school. |
| 2. Move the verb to the front of "there" and capitalise the verb. | Is there a desk at school. |
| 3. Add a question mark. | Is there a desk at school? |
TEST YOURSELF:
Create a question using the stages in the following sentences:
Sometimes the prepositional phrases is not needed.
1. There are many Canadians.
2. There is a computer in every class.
3. There are boys in the hallway.
4. There is a sleepy dog in the room.
5. Yes, they are customers.
6. Yes, she is ill.
7. There is a city named Henry.
8. Yes, he is busy.
9. Yes it is stinky.
10. Yes, you and Terry are good.
Ask the teacher to check your work.
