is there

USAGE SUMMARY

"is there" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to form questions. For example, "Is there a more efficient way to complete this task?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His velocity is there.

The New York Times - Sports

The time is there).

The New York Times

"That offer is there.

Independent

The market is there.

The Guardian

"The music is there.

The New York Times - Arts

Rangi is there.

The New Yorker

Olivia Colman is there.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"No racism is there.

The New York Times

The passion is there".

The New York Times - Sports

What else is there?

The New York Times

The talent is there.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is there" in questions, ensure the subject follows the verb to maintain correct grammatical structure. For example, "Is there any coffee left?" is correct, whereas "Is any coffee there left?" is awkward.

Common error

Avoid using "is there" with plural subjects. The correct form for a plural subject is "are there". For instance, instead of "Is there any problems?", use "Are there any problems?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is there" primarily functions as an interrogative construction used to inquire about the existence or presence of something. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used in questions to ascertain whether something exists or is available.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

16%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is there" is a versatile interrogative used to inquire about the existence or availability of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very common in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, but also prevalent in academic and wiki sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using "is there", ensure subject-verb agreement, particularly avoiding its use with plural subjects. Alternatives like "does there exist" can be used for more formal expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does there exist

More formal and emphasizes existence.

could there be

Suggests a possibility or speculation about something.

is it possible to

Directly questions the feasibility or possibility of an action.

can we find

Focuses on the possibility of discovery or finding something.

is it the case that

More formal and philosophical way of questioning a statement.

might we see

Implies a potential observation or appearance.

what are the chances

Focuses on the probability of an event occurring.

do you have

Inquires about possession or availability.

would it happen that

Suggests a hypothetical scenario or occurrence.

are you able to

Asks about capability or permission to do something.

FAQs

How do I use "is there" in a sentence?

Use "is there" to ask about the existence or presence of something, usually followed by a noun. For example, "Is there any milk in the fridge?" or "Is there a doctor on board?"

What can I say instead of "is there"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "does there exist", "can we find", or "could there be" to vary your phrasing.

Which is correct, "is there" or "are there"?

"Is there" is used with singular or uncountable nouns, while "are there" is used with plural nouns. For example, "Is there a book on the table?" versus "Are there books on the table?"

What's the difference between "is there" and "there is"?

"Is there" is used to form a question, while "there is" is a statement. For example, "Is there a problem?" (question) versus "There is a problem." (statement).