there are three

USAGE SUMMARY

"there are three" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when there are three of something, and might use it in a sentence such as: "There are three pieces of fruit on the plate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are three worries.

The Economist

There are three priorities.

The New York Times

There are three lines.

The New York Times - Travel

There are three concerns.

The New York Times

There are three elements.

The New York Times

There are three factors.

The New Yorker

There are Three Amigos!

The New Yorker

There are three commas.

The New York Times

There are three big defects.

The Economist

There are three central elements.

The New Yorker

A. There are three left.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "there are three" with a colon (:) to introduce a list or explanation of the three items.

Common error

Avoid using "there is three" as it violates subject-verb agreement. The correct form is "there are three" because "three" is plural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there are three" primarily functions as an existential quantifier, indicating the presence of three specific items, reasons, or options. Ludwig shows that the phrase is often followed by a noun or a list specifying what the three things are.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there are three" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to indicate the existence of three specific items or reasons. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's frequently found in neutral contexts like News & Media but also appears in scientific and formal settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the subsequent enumeration is clear and accurate. Avoid the common error of using "there is three", which violates subject-verb agreement. Alternatives like "a trio of" or "three exist" can be used for variety. Overall, "there are three" is a versatile and reliable phrase for enumeration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a total of three

This phrase emphasizes the numerical quantity of three.

precisely three

This version stresses the exactness of the quantity.

there exist three

This version uses a more formal syntax to express the existence of three items.

three exist

This alternative uses a different verb to express the existence of three items.

three can be found

This phrase emphasizes the possibility of locating three items.

three in number

This alternative focuses on the count of three.

a trio of

This alternative uses a more formal and literary term to refer to a group of three.

we have three

This alternative shifts the perspective to the speaker possessing three items.

namely three

This phrase introduces a list of three items.

the three items are

This alternative emphasizes the individual items that constitute the group of three.

FAQs

How can I use "there are three" in a sentence?

The phrase "there are three" is used to indicate the existence of three items, options, or reasons. For example, "There are three main reasons for the company's success".

What are some alternatives to "there are three"?

You can use alternatives such as "a trio of", "three exist", or "a total of three" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "there is three" instead of "there are three"?

No, "there is three" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "there are three" because the subject "three" is plural.

In what contexts is the phrase "there are three" most appropriate?

The phrase "there are three" is appropriate in various contexts, including formal writing, news reports, and everyday conversations, whenever you need to enumerate three specific items or points.