There is / There are

There is / There are says that something exists or is located somewhere. This is not the same as be for a person’s job or quality (She is a doctor — only is, no there).

There is

Singular and uncountable:

• There is a book on the table.
• There is a problem.
• There is milk in the fridge.

There are

Plural:

• There are many people.
• There are flowers in the garden.

Negative: There isn't a café here. · There aren't any chairs.

Question: Is there a bank near here? · Are there any students in the class?

Pattern: There is + noun + place. A sentence like A book is on the table locates a book you already have in mind; it is not the usual way to introduce existence.