General English A2 · Lesson 2B

Grammar Bank

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

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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
Prepositions of place (in / on / at / under / next to…)
They say where somebody or something is.
I've got this
Rules & form
- ›in = inside a space: in the office, in Brazil.
- ›on = on a surface or line: on the desk, on the second floor.
- ›at = at a point or place of activity: at home, at the bus stop.
- ›Other useful ones: under, behind, in front of, between, next to, opposite.
Examples
- “The keys are on the table, next to my bag.”
- “She's at work — her laptop is in the drawer.”
- “The pharmacy is opposite the bank, between the two cafés.”
Watch out · Say at home / at work (no the): I'm at the home ✗.
Your own example