
| SINGULAR AGREEMENT | PLURAL AGREEMENT |
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There is occurs before a singular noun. There introduces the idea that something exists in an unspecified place. |
There are occurs before a plural noun. |
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Also see There/ Their / They're.
| SINGULAR AGREEMENT | PLURAL AGREEMENT |
|---|---|
The verb following there commonly agrees with the closest noun even when there are multiple nouns or items. (British English differs.) |
The verb following there may also be followed by a plural verb if there are multiple items. |
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There are a book, some pencils, and a notepad on my desk. (Eng-Br; Eng-US formal usage)
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| COMMON USAGE | MORE FORMAL USAGE |
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Nouns that are commonly paired together (salt & pepper, ham & eggs) often occur with singular verb agreement. (informal) |
In formal usage, noun pairs occur with plural verb agreement. |
There is milk and cookies on the table. |
There are milk and cookies on the table. |
There is bacon and eggs on the menu. (a dish; a menu item) |
There are bacon and eggs on the plate. |
There is salt and pepper on the plate. (regarded as a single unit) |
There are milk and cookies on the table. |
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Related pages: There – Existence, There / Their, Here/There, It /There Pronouns

keeping up (expression) – maintain, keep current
Related page Quantity Phrases / A number/The number of,