Mastering "There Is" and "There Are": A Guide to Using "A Few" Correctly
In English grammar, mastering the use of "there is" and "there are" is essential for clear communication. Also, these phrases are foundational for describing existence or quantity, but confusion often arises when combining them with terms like "a few. " This article will explore the rules, common mistakes, and nuances of using "a few" with "there is" and "there are," ensuring you sound confident and precise in both written and spoken English.
The Basic Rules: "There Is" vs. "There Are"
The phrases "there is" and "there are" are used to indicate the existence or presence of something. The choice between them depends on the number of the noun that follows:
- "There is" is used with singular nouns.
In real terms, example: *There is a cat on the roof. * - "There are" is used with plural nouns.
Example: *There are cats on the roof.
When introducing "a few," it’s critical to remember that "a few" is inherently plural. Here's the thing — for example:
- *There are a few books on the shelf. Consider this: it refers to a small, indefinite number of items or people. *
Here, "a few" modifies the plural noun "books," so "there are" is the correct choice.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One of the most frequent errors learners make is using "there is" with "a few." Since "a few" is plural, this combination is grammatically incorrect. Consider the following examples:
- ❌ Incorrect: There is a few people waiting.
- ✅ Correct: *There are a few people waiting.
Another mistake involves confusing "a few" with **"few.For instance:
- *There are a few chairs in the room.That said, )
- There are few chairs in the room. "* While "a few" implies a small but sufficient quantity, "few" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting insufficiency. Think about it: * (Neutral: a small number exists. * (Negative: not enough chairs.
Nuances of "A Few": Context Matters
The phrase "a few" is flexible but context-dependent. It typically means three or more but not many. And for example:
- *I have a few questions. * (I have some questions, but not an overwhelming number.Day to day, )
- *She has a few friends in the city. * (She knows a small group, not a large circle.
Still, "a few" can sometimes overlap with "several," though "several" often implies a slightly larger or more specific quantity. For instance:
- A few = 3–5 (
Verb Agreement with “A Few” in Existential Constructions
When “a few” appears in a clause that does not use the existential “there” construction, the verb still follows the plural rule because “few” functions as a quantifier for a plural noun.
| Subject phrase | Verb form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A few + plural noun | are | A few students are missing their assignments. |
| A few + collective noun (treated as plural) | are | A few staff are working overtime. |
| A few + uncountable noun (rare) | is (because the noun remains singular) | A few water is enough for the experiment. *(Note: this usage is uncommon; speakers usually rephrase. |
Key takeaway: In almost every natural‑language situation, “a few” triggers a plural verb. The only exception is when the noun it modifies is inherently uncountable, in which case the sentence is usually re‑worded to avoid the awkwardness.
Practice Zone: Spot the Errors
Below are five sentences. Identify whether the use of “there is/are” with “a few” is correct. If it’s wrong, rewrite the sentence Simple as that..
- There is a few apples left in the basket.
- There are a few reasons why we should postpone the meeting.
- There is a few information missing from the report.
- There are a few of the participants who arrived early.
- There is a few time left before the deadline.
Answers
- ❌ There are a few apples left in the basket.
- ✅ Correct.
- ❌ There are a few pieces of information missing from the report.
- ✅ Correct (the phrase “a few of the participants” is plural).
- ❌ There is a little time left before the deadline. (Here “a little” is the correct quantifier for an uncountable noun.)
When “A Few” Meets “There Is/There Are” in More Complex Sentences
-
Pre‑positional phrases:
There are a few on the table that need cleaning.
The verb remains plural because the core subject (“a few”) is plural That alone is useful.. -
Relative clauses:
There are a few students who have finished the exam early.
Again, the main clause uses are; the relative clause follows normal subject‑verb agreement rules Which is the point.. -
Inverted sentences for emphasis:
A few books are missing, there are a few books missing.
Both structures keep the plural verb Most people skip this — try not to..
“A Few” vs. “A Little”: Quick Reference
| Quantifier | Typical noun type | Positive/neutral connotation | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| a few | Countable (plural) | Positive/neutral (some, enough) | *There are a few tickets left.Still, * |
| a little | Uncountable (singular) | Positive/neutral | *There is a little milk in the fridge. Because of that, * |
| few | Countable (plural) | Negative (not enough) | *There are few tickets left. * |
| little | Uncountable (singular) | Negative | *There is little hope left. |
Remember: “a few” never pairs with singular nouns, and “a little” never pairs with plural nouns Nothing fancy..
Common Real‑World Situations
| Situation | Correct Sentence | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Classroom | *There are a few students who need extra help.Even so, * | “Items” is plural; the verb matches. * |
| Office memo | *There are a few items on the agenda that require approval. * | “Students” is plural; “a few” signals a small group. |
| Travel guide | *There are a few hidden beaches worth exploring. | |
| Customer service | There are a few steps you should follow to reset your password. | “Steps” is plural; the instruction feels manageable. |
Final Checklist Before You Write
- Identify the noun that follows “a few.” Is it countable and plural? ✅
- Choose “there are.” The existential phrase must be plural.
- Avoid “there is” unless you have re‑phrased the sentence to remove “a few.”
- Consider “few” vs. “a few.” If you want to stress scarcity, use “few.”
- Check the verb in any subordinate clause for proper agreement with its own subject.
Conclusion
Understanding how “a few” interacts with “there is” and “there are” sharpens both the precision and naturalness of your English. So the rule is simple: because “a few” always modifies a plural, countable noun, the correct existential construction is “there are. ” Pair this knowledge with awareness of the subtle difference between “a few” (a modest, sufficient amount) and “few” (an insufficient amount), and you’ll avoid the most common pitfalls Which is the point..
Not obvious, but once you see it — you'll see it everywhere.
Practice with the examples above, keep the checklist handy, and soon you’ll instinctively select the right verb form—whether you’re writing an academic paper, drafting a business email, or chatting with friends. On the flip side, mastery of this small but powerful detail will make your English sound more confident, accurate, and fluent. Happy communicating!
Incorporating “a few” into Complex Sentences
When you combine “a few” with clauses that themselves contain a subject–verb pair, the rule remains the same: the outermost existential verb must agree with the plural noun that “a few” modifies. The inner clause can have its own agreement independent of the outer one Less friction, more output..
| Example | Breakdown |
|---|---|
| There are a few reports that will be reviewed by the committee, and each will receive feedback within 48 hours. | “Reports” → plural → there are; “each” → singular → will receive. |
| There are a few factors that need to be considered, because the outcome depends on many variables. | “Factors” → plural → there are; “outcome” → singular → depends. |
Notice how the verb in the subordinate clause is determined by its own subject, not by “a few.”
Common Mistakes and How to Spot Them
| Mistake | Why It Happens | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Using there is with “a few” | Habit from “a few” sounding like “some” | Replace is with are |
| Confusing few with a few | Both start with few | Remember “few” = not enough → singular verb there is; “a few” = some → plural verb there are |
| Mixing up countable vs. uncountable nouns | Forgetting that “a little” only pairs with singular, uncountable nouns | Check if the noun can be counted; if not, use “a little” with singular verb |
Practical Exercises
-
Rewrite the sentences using the correct form:
a. Because of that, *There is a few opportunities for improvement. *
b. *There are a little details that need to be clarified Simple as that.. -
Create five sentences that use “a few” in a professional context.
Example: There are a few documents that must be signed before the deadline. -
Spot the error in the paragraph below and correct it:
There are a few members who have expressed concerns about the new policy, but there is no plan to address them yet.
Why Mastery Matters
- Clarity: Readers instantly know you’re talking about a small, but definite number of items.
- Authority: Proper agreement signals that you’re comfortable with the language, which builds trust.
- Efficiency: Avoiding unnecessary corrections saves time in editing and proofreading.
Final Takeaway
The key to using “a few” correctly lies in two simple observations:
- “A few” always refers to a plural, countable noun.
- Because of this, the existential verb must be plural—“there are.”
Pair that rule with the distinction between a few (sufficient) and few (insufficient), and you’ll handle most sentences with confidence. Keep the checklist handy, practice regularly, and soon the choice between there is and there are will feel as natural as breathing. Happy writing!
Some disagree here. Fair enough And that's really what it comes down to..
Final Takeaway
The key to using “a few” correctly lies in two simple observations:
- “A few” always refers to a plural, countable noun.
- That's why, the existential verb must be plural—“there are.”
Pair that rule with the distinction between a few (sufficient) and few (insufficient), and you’ll handle most sentences with confidence. Keep the checklist handy, practice regularly, and soon the choice between there is and there are will feel as natural as breathing. Happy writing!
Pulling it all together, mastering the seemingly small distinction between "a few" and "few" – and its impact on verb agreement – significantly elevates the clarity and professionalism of your writing. It's a fundamental building block of grammatical accuracy that contributes to a more polished and authoritative voice. While it might feel like a minor detail, consistently applying these principles demonstrates attention to detail and enhances the credibility of your message. Don't underestimate the power of these small adjustments; they can make a substantial difference in how your work is perceived. By consciously focusing on these nuances, you can ensure your writing is not only grammatically sound but also effectively communicates your intended meaning Which is the point..
