Tagging 'There Is/Are': A Special Case
"Even for existential constructions like 'there is/are', the English language provides an elegant, consistent mechanism for seeking confirmation through its tags."
The construction 'there is/are' (and its variations like 'there was/were', 'there will be', etc.) introduces a subject that isn't a typical noun or pronoun referring to a person or thing. Consequently, forming question tags for these clauses requires a specific and consistent approach.
The Consistent 'There' in Tags
Key Principle: Regardless of the auxiliary or modal verb used in the 'there is/are' construction, the subject in the question tag *always* remains 'there'.
Examples of 'There is/are' Tags
- There's a quaint café near the library, isn't there?
- There were more experienced participants in the group, weren't there?
- There should be some clarity in the instructions, shouldn't there?
- There'd be additional possibilities, wouldn't there?
- There hasn't been a suitable outcome, has there?
Consider this: The use of 'there' in the tag reflects its role as a 'dummy subject' or 'existential *there*' in the main clause, not referring to a physical place but indicating existence.
"In the elegant machinery of English, even the seemingly abstract 'there' maintains its unique role in the conversational dance of question tags."
To test your understanding of Main Clauses and Question Tags with There Is/Are, click here to take the quiz!
