There Is & There Are - Some & Any
We use "there is" and "there are" to say that something or somebody exists.
We use "there is" for one thing or one person. "There is" is often cotracted to "there's".
There is / There's a book on the table.
There is / There's someone at the door.
We use "there are" for more than one thing or person. "There are" is not usually contracted.
There are three books on the shelf.
There are some people in the yard.
When we talk about a list of things or people, if the first item is singular, we use "there is". If the first item is plural, we use "there are".
There is a book, two pens, and a notebook on the desk.
There are two pens, a book, and a notebook on the desk.
We often use "there is" and "there are" with "a / an", "some" or "any".
+There's a cat in the yard.
-There isn't a cat in the yard.
-Is there a cat in the yard?
+There is some water in the glass.
+There are some apples in the basket.
?Are there any apples in the basket?
-There aren't any apples in the basket.
?Is there any water in the glass?
-There isn't any water in the glass.
"There is" and "it is" are different. We use "there is" to say that something exists or to talk about the location of something, but we use "it is" to describe or identify something specific.
There is a phone on the desk. It is black.
There is a dog in the garden. It is barking.
Exercises
Write positive or negative sentences, or questions with "there is" or "there are" + "a / an", "some" or "any".
1.books / the shelf
There are some books on the shelf.
2.chairs / the dining room
Are there any chairs in the dining room?
3.lamp / the bedroom
There's a lamp in the bedroom.
4.mirror / the bathroom
Is there a mirror in the bathroom?
5.apples / the fridge
There aren't any apples in the fridge.
6.glasses / the cupboard
Are there any glasses in the cupboard?
7.carpet / the hall
There isn't a carpet in the hall.