There is vs. There are - Adult ESL Grammar Guide and Worksheets

If you teach beginning-level adult ESL students, you already know how fundamental “there is” and “there are” are for describing the world around us. Whether you're talking about classrooms, neighborhoods, or household items, these simple structures are key to clear and fluent communication.

But in my classroom, every time we reached this section in the textbook, it was the same story:

“We need more practice.”

“We need better explanations.”

“We’re still confused.”

So I created this resource, and suddenly, “not enough” turned into “enough” and even “plenty.”

WHA'TS INSIDE this 57-page PDF:

✅ Clear Grammar Guide (color & black-and-white versions)

Breaks down when and how to use “there is” and “there are” with simple, accessible explanations.

✅ Theme-Based Worksheets

Practice “there is” and “there are” through relatable themes like:

• All About This Class
• In Your Neighborhood

Each set includes multiple differentiated versions (A1, A2, B) and versions with some/any for added challenge.

✅ Speaking Activities

• Talk About the Picture: Students describe what they see
• Is There…?/Are There…? Quizzes: Great for pair or small group work
• Memory Challenge: Boost recall and fluency with a timed observation game

✅ Writing Practice

Students construct their own sentences using images and prompts—perfect for developing independent production.

✅ Location-Based Grammar

Practice using “there is/there are” with prepositions of place to describe household items. Includes labeled and unlabeled picture versions for differentiation.

✅ Positive & Negative Practice

Worksheets like Flip Flop Apartments and Flip Flop the Kitchen help students practice switching between positive and negative statements. Answer keys included.

✅ Question Formation

From yes/no questions to open-ended questions using “how many” and “how much,” these exercises guide students through common conversational structures.

✅ Real-Life Context: Apartment Hunting

Students build questions and answers about apartment listings—great for newcomers and survival English!

✅ Show Off Your Vocabulary Series

Students describe what they see in images of bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and more, reinforcing both grammar and vocabulary.

✅ Full Answer Keys Included

You'll have clear, easy-to-follow keys to save you time.

THIS IS DESIGNED FOR ADULT ESL STUDENTS

Every page in this pack was written with adult students in mind. That means no childish scenarios, no condescending explanations, and no content that feels like it belongs in a primary school workbook. The contexts here (apartments, kitchens, neighborhoods, classrooms) are places adult students live in and talk about.

That said, the materials work just as well with mature secondary ESL students who need the same solid foundation in "there is" and "there are."