”There is” vs. ”It is” (examples, how to use)
There
We use there when we speak about something for the first time, to say that it exists.
- There’s a new restaurant next to our offices. It looks very good.
- I’m sorry I’m late: there was a traffic jam in the centre of town.
- There is a fire over there. I can see black smoke.
- Is there an ATM near here?
- How many players are there in a rugby team?
It
It = a specific thing, place, situation, fact, etc.
- I saw the Liverpool versus Manchester City game yesterday. It was great! (it = the game)
- ‘How was the food in the restaurant?’ ‘It was delicious.’ (it = the food)
- We lost the match. It was disappointing. (it = that we didn’t win)
Noun vs. adjective
- I didn’t like the beach. THERE WERE too many stones, and IT WAS a little bit dirty.
-
There were a lot of stones. (stones = noun)
It was dirty. (dirty = adjective)
There is/are, there was/were, there will be, there should be, etc.
- There is a supermarket next to the bus station. (present simple, singular)
- There are three pubs in the village. (present simple, plural)
- There will be a market on the main square next Saturday. (future)
- There was a lot of rain last night. (past simple, singular)
- There were fifty thousand people at the concert. (past simple, plural)
- There would be, there should be, etc (with modal verbs)
- There used to be (past state)
Distance, time, weather, dates
We use it when speaking about dates, days, distance, time, weather and the temperature:
- ‘What time is it?’ ‘It’s 3 o’clock.’
- ‘It’s cold today.’ ‘Yes, it’s only four degrees.’
- How far is it to Vienna?
- It’s raining again.
- It’s 12 April tomorrow: it’s my birthday.