It and There

What are we learning today?

You will use "it" and "there" at the start of a sentence. You will know when to use each one.

Explanation

• Use "it" for weather, time, distance and general facts.
• Use "there is" or "there are" to say that something exists.
• "There is" goes with one thing. "There are" goes with many things.
• Negative: there isn't, there aren't. Past: there was, there were.
• Questions: Is there ...? Are there ...?
• Do not say "is raining". Say "it is raining".

Examples

1. It is cold today.
2. There is a river near my school.
3. There are lots of little paths through the wood.

Remember!

• "It" is for weather and time. "There" is for things that exist.
• Use "there are" with plural nouns.

Check yourself

1. Complete: ___ is raining. (It / There)
2. Make a question: There is a hairdryer in the room.