Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[nawee]

Hello,

When do we use the structure "Is there + a singular noun?" and when do we use the structure "Are there + a plural noun?"? And when do we use "any" before the noun? And we use "any" with a singular or a plural noun?

1. Is there a pencil in the box?
2. Are there pencils in the box?
3. Are there any pencils in the box?

And how do we answer these questions?

[Situation I] There is one pencil in the box.
Q: Are there pencils in the box?
A: Yes, there is. There's a pencil in the box. (?)

[situation II] There are two pencils in the box.
Q: Is there a pencil in the box?
A: No, there isn't. There are two pencils. (?)

The execises I have found on the Internet only ask you to change from the affirmative sentences to questions. They are not very helpful in explaining when to use such questions and how to answer them in a natural manner.
Ex. There are two pencils in the picture. - Are there two pencils in the picture?

I would be grateful if you could recommend other resources concerning this particular grammatical point.

Thank you.

Nawee

[jumbonaut]

My answer for Situation I would be "No, there aren't. There is only one pencil in the box." The question is asking if there are multiple pencils, which there are not. This would mean the answer to his question would be negative.

I don't know if you are limited to a multiple choice, but I would answer Situation II as "Yes there is. There are actually two pencils." The question asks if there is one pencil. Since there are two, that means there must be one. That is an affirmative answer. But then you follow up your affirmative statement with the whole story saying you have an additional pencil.
_________________
Pat Mallon
www.englishnation.net

[nawee]

Thank you for your reply, Jumbonaut.

Just to clarify a few minor points. What's the difference, even a tiny one, between "Are there pencils in the box?" and "Are there any pencils in the box?"

And when would we ask "Is there a pencil in the box?"? Is it only in the situation where we want a pencil to write something?

Thank you.

Nawee

[jumbonaut]

Asking "Is there a pencil in the box?" and "Are there any pencils in the box?" would be appropriate if you wanted one pencil to write something. If you only need one pencil, then that is the only information you are seeking.

Asking "Is there a pencil in the box?" means you are interested in one pencil. However, no one would reply "no" to this question if they saw more than one pencil in there. If you were interested in knowing if the box specifically has only one pencil, it would be better to phrase it as "Is there only one pencil in the box?"

Asking "Are there pencils in the box?" means you are interested in multiple pencils.

Asking "Are there any pencils in the box?" means you are interested in whether there is just one or multiple pencils. A complete answer to this question would likely be, "Yes, there are three pencils" or "Yes, there is one."
_________________
Pat Mallon
www.englishnation.net

[nawee]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I have been looking up grammar books, searching the Internet and posting the same question on many webboards. Your explanation is to the point and easiest to understand

Thank you, once again. You have been a great help.

[nawee]

What are the appropriate questions to these answers, assuming they are grammatically correct?

1. No, there is not a television in the house.

2. No, there aren't any televisions in the house.

Thank you.

Nawee