Teacher Discussion Forums

There is/are a pen and three books on the table. Answer = There is a pen and three books on the table. This is because the the "are" part of the clause has been omitted (quite common in English) such as "There is a pen and (there are) three books on the table. B: You and I are/am going to the movie...

Which one is correct? And why??? A: There is/are a pen and three books on the table. Do I use the verb that near the subject? or....? B: You and I are/am going to the movie. And why this sentence uses are? Can someone tell the difference between A and B? If someone know that, please tell me! Thanks ...