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What is the negative form of ‘there is’?

When you want to say that one thing does not exist, you use there isn’t.

Isn’t is the short form of is not. We use it for singular countable nouns and for uncountable nouns.

• For singular nouns: There isn’t + a/an + singular noun.
• For uncountable nouns: There isn’t + any + uncountable noun.

What is the negative form of 'there are'?

When you want to say that many things do not exist, you use there aren't.

Aren't is the short form of are not. We use it for plural countable nouns.

• For plural nouns: There aren't + any + plural noun.

Why do we use 'any' with negative sentences?

In negative sentences with there isn't and there aren't, we often use the word any.

Any means 'cero' or 'ninguno/a' in this context. It makes the negative meaning stronger, especially with plural and uncountable nouns.

• We use any with plural countable nouns: There aren't any chairs.
• We use any with uncountable nouns: There isn't any water.
• For singular countable nouns, we usually use a/an: There isn't a pen.

Summary of Negative Forms: There isn't / There aren't

Type of Noun	Negative Form
Singular Countable	There isn't a/an...
Uncountable	There isn't any...
Plural Countable	There aren't any...

Examples

• There isn't a dog in the garden.
• There isn't any milk in the fridge.
• There aren't any students in the classroom.
• There isn't a bus stop near my house.
• There aren't any shops open on Sunday.

Practice

Common mistakes for Spanish speakers

Common Mistakes for Spanish Speakers

Spanish speakers sometimes make mistakes because they translate directly from 'no hay'.

• Incorrect: No there is a car.
  Correct: There isn't a car. (Remember, 'there' comes first.)
• Incorrect: There aren't books.
  Correct: There aren't any books. (Always use any with plural nouns in negative sentences.)
• Incorrect: There isn't money.
  Correct: There isn't any money. (Use any with uncountable nouns in negative sentences.)

Frequently asked questions

When do I use 'there isn't'?

You use there isn't for singular countable nouns (e.g., There isn't a chair.) and for uncountable nouns (e.g., There isn't any sugar.).

When do I use 'there aren't'?

You use there aren't for plural countable nouns (e.g., There aren't any apples.).

Is 'any' always necessary with 'there isn't' and 'there aren't'?

For plural nouns and uncountable nouns in negative sentences, any is almost always used and sounds natural (e.g., There aren't any problems., There isn't any coffee.). For singular nouns, you use a/an (e.g., There isn't a doctor.).

Related lessons

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