If you’ve ever hesitated between using “there has been” and “there have been,” you’re not alone. Many people struggle with this subtle distinction in English grammar. The good news is, once you understand the rule behind these phrases, you’ll never have to second-guess yourself again.
Understanding subject-verb agreement and how to use these phrases correctly is crucial, whether you’re speaking or writing.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the fundamentals of using “there has been” and “there have been”, giving you practical tips and real-world examples to help you master these expressions. From historical trends to everyday usage, we’ll break it all down for you.
By the end of this post, you’ll not only understand the difference but also be able to apply these phrases in everyday situations with confidence. So let’s get started!
Grasping the Basics: Singular vs. Plural Forms
At the core of understanding “there has been” vs. “there have been” is subject-verb agreement. This is the rule that tells us how to match the verb (in this case, “has” or “have”) to the subject of the sentence. When it comes to these phrases, the subject determines whether the verb should be singular or plural.
- “There has been” is used when the subject is singular.
- “There have been” is used when the subject is plural.
Example:
- Singular: There has been a change in the schedule.
- Plural: There have been multiple changes to the schedule.
Understanding this basic rule can help you decide which form to use in different contexts. But it’s not always as straightforward as it seems, especially when the subject is not directly in front of the verb. Let’s dive deeper into these examples to explore when to use each form correctly.
When to Use “There Has Been”
Use “there has been” when you’re referring to a singular subject. This can be an event, an item, or even an abstract concept. The key here is that the thing being discussed is considered one.
Examples:
- There has been a problem with the system.
- There has been an increase in the price of goods.
- There has been a delay in the flight schedule.
Notice that in all of these cases, the subject is singular: “problem,” “increase,” and “delay.” Even though you might be talking about a situation with many people or things, the subject itself is considered one thing.
“There Have Been” for Multiple Items or Events
On the other hand, “there have been” is used when referring to plural subjects. These can be multiple events, items, or concepts that require the verb “have” to agree with them.
Examples:
- There have been several issues with the system today.
- There have been numerous changes to the schedule.
- There have been complaints from several customers.
In these cases, “issues,” “changes,” and “complaints” are all plural, so the verb “have” is used instead of “has.”
Examples That Illustrate the Difference
To make things even clearer, here are side-by-side comparisons that show the difference between “there has been” and “there have been”.
| Singular (There Has Been) | Plural (There Have Been) |
| There has been a concert in town. | There have been concerts every weekend. |
| There has been a change in policy. | There have been changes in policy. |
| There has been an improvement. | There have been improvements over time. |
This table highlights how you match the verb with the subject in each case. If the subject is singular, you’ll use “has”, and if the subject is plural, you’ll use “have”.
The Grammatical Mechanics Behind “Been”
Both “there has been” and “there have been” use the word “been”, which is the past participle of the verb “to be”. This means that both phrases are part of the present perfect tense. The present perfect tense is used to talk about actions or situations that started in the past and have relevance to the present moment.
Example:
- “There has been” a delay (This delay happened at some point in the past and is still relevant now).
- “There have been” multiple issues (These issues started in the past and may still be affecting the situation).
In essence, “been” links the past to the present, showing the continuity or effect of past events.
Making the Right Choice: Contextual Clarity in Language
Understanding the context of your sentence is key to making the right choice between “there has been” and “there have been”. The subject of the sentence determines the form of the verb, but the type of subject matters too.
- Singular subjects: When you’re talking about one event or thing, always use “there has been.”
- Plural subjects: When you’re discussing multiple items, events, or ideas, choose “there have been.”
Tips for Choosing the Right Form:
- If you’re referring to a single event or change, use “there has been.”
- If you’re talking about multiple events, items, or situations, go with “there have been.”
Questions and Interrogative Forms
When forming questions with “there has been” or “there have been”, the structure remains the same as in statements, but it flips to form a question.
Examples:
- Singular: Has there been any progress?
- Plural: Have there been any changes to the schedule?
Common Mistakes:
Many people mistakenly say, “Have there been a problem?” The correct form is “Has there been a problem?” because “problem” is singular.
Asserting Facts with Affirmative Statements
In affirmative statements, both “there has been” and “there have been” are used to assert facts. Depending on whether the subject is singular or plural, the correct form should follow.
Examples:
- There has been a misunderstanding (singular).
- There have been numerous delays (plural).
Expressing Negation in English
When you want to negate a sentence using “there has been” or “there have been,” simply add “not” after the verb.
Examples:
- There has not been any progress.
- There have not been any issues reported.
This rule applies regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural. The key is remembering the verb and negating it appropriately.
Historical Usage Trends: “There Has Been” vs. “There Have Been”
The use of “there has been” vs. “there have been” hasn’t changed much over time, but the way we use these phrases can vary based on formality. In formal writing, it’s essential to use the correct subject-verb agreement, while in informal conversations, people may make mistakes or use these phrases interchangeably.
Historically, English grammar rules were much stricter about subject-verb agreement. However, in everyday speech, many people still make mistakes when they’re talking about collective subjects (like a group or a team).
Expanding Understanding: Special Cases and Common Queries
Special Case 1: Collective Subjects
When the subject is a group or collective noun (like “team” or “family”), the form of the verb depends on whether the group is acting as one unit or as individual members.
- Singular: The team has won the match. (The team is acting as a unit.)
- Plural: The team members have completed their tasks. (Each member is acting individually.)
Special Case 2: Indefinite Pronouns
Indefinite pronouns like “everyone”, “each”, and “anyone” are singular, so use “there has been” with these terms.
- There has been a misunderstanding with everyone.
- There has been a problem with each task.
FAQ
1. Can I use “there have been” with a singular subject?
No, “there have been” is used for plural subjects. For singular subjects, use “there has been”.
2. What’s the difference between “there has been” and “there is”?
“There has been” refers to something that occurred in the past and has relevance now, while “there is” refers to something happening in the present moment.
3. Can “there have been” be used in passive voice?
Yes, passive voice can be used with “there have been.” For example: “There have been several changes made to the policy.”
Conclusion: Mastering the Use of “There Has Been” vs. “There Have Been”
To summarize, using “there has been” and “there have been” correctly boils down to understanding whether the subject is singular or plural. Whether you’re writing a formal essay, giving a presentation, or chatting casually, knowing how to use these phrases with confidence will help you communicate clearly and effectively.
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