English grammar
It and there: there is, there are, it is 📕
English sentences always need a subject. Sometimes we use it or there as an "empty" subject.
There is / there are
We use this to say that something exists or is in a place.
| Singular / uncountable | Plural |
| There is a bank near here. | There are two banks near here. |
| There is some milk. | There are some eggs. |
| Is there a toilet? | Are there any questions? |
| There isn't time. | There aren't any chairs. |
In the past: there was / there were.
It is
We use it for weather, time, distance and days:
It is cold today.
It is half past three.
It is five kilometres to the station.
It is Monday.
We also use it before an adjective + to-infinitive:
It is important to sleep well.
It is nice to meet you.
✗ Is a supermarket near here?
✓ Is there a supermarket near here?
✗ There are a problem.
✓ There is a problem.
✗ Is raining.
✓ It is raining.