There Be and

What Is “There Be”?

The phrase there be is used in English to say that something exists or is present in a place. In modern English, it appears as:

• There is (for singular nouns)
• There are (for plural nouns)

Using “There Be” with “And”

When listing multiple items, we often connect them with and. The verb (is or are) usually agrees with the noun closest to it, but in informal usage, there are is often preferred when any plural item is present.

Examples:

• There is a book and two pens on the table.
• There are two pens and a book on the table.
• There is coffee and tea in the kitchen. (treated as uncountable/collective)

Tips for Learners

• Use there is if the first item is singular and you’re speaking informally.
• Use there are if the first item is plural.
• In formal writing, match the verb to the subject nearest to it (proximity rule).