General English A1 · Lesson 6A

Grammar Bank

The rules behind this lesson — form, use, model sentences and the mistakes to avoid.

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Grammar focus of this lesson

there is / there are, some / any

2 structures

there is / there are
To say that something exists or is in a place.
I've got this
Rules & form
- ›There is + singular / uncountable · There are + plural.
- ›Negative: There isn't / There aren't (any)…
- ›Question: Is there…? Are there…?
- ›Past: There was / There were.
Examples
- “There's a problem with the delivery.”
- “There are two meeting rooms on this floor.”
- “Is there any coffee left?”
Watch out · Don't use have for existence: Have a problem ✗ → There's a problem ✓.
Your own example
Countable / uncountable · some / any
Some nouns you can count; others you can't — and that changes the words around them.
I've got this
Rules & form
- ›Countable: a coffee, two reports. Uncountable: water, money, advice, information.
- ›some in positive sentences; any in negatives and questions.
- ›some also in offers and requests: Would you like some help?
- ›Uncountable nouns take a singular verb: The information is useful.
Examples
- “There's some milk in the fridge.”
- “We don't have any news yet.”
- “Do you need any help with the slides?”
Watch out · informations / advices / moneys ✗ — these words have no plural.
Your own example