Ever paused mid-sentence wondering whether to say “there is no” or “there are no”? You’re not alone.
These two phrases often cause confusion, especially when grammar meets tricky nouns like data, information, or apples. The good news? It’s not as complex as it seems—once you understand the grammar behind singular and plural usage.
This guide will walk you through the difference between “there is no” and “there are no,” so you can use them confidently in writing and speech.
Let’s break it down piece by piece.
The choice between “there is no” and “there are no” depends on the noun that follows. Use “there is no” for singular or uncountable nouns (e.g., water, hope), and “there are no” for plural nouns (e.g., books, apples). Get the full breakdown inside!
Understanding the Basics of Singular and Plural Forms
Before diving into the specifics, you need to grasp the fundamental building blocks of grammar: singular vs. plural nouns.
- Singular nouns refer to one item or concept.
Example: book, chair, hope - Plural nouns refer to more than one.
Example: books, chairs, ideas
In English, verbs must agree with their subjects in number. That’s where the phrases there is no and there are no come into play.
| Phrase | Use With | Example |
|---|---|---|
| There is no | Singular or uncountable nouns | “There is no milk left.” |
| There are no | Plural nouns | “There are no cookies in the jar.” |
Seems simple, right? But let’s explore each one in more depth.
Exploring “There Is No” in Depth
The phrase there is no is used when you’re referring to a single thing or an uncountable noun. The verb is aligns with the singular nature of the noun following it.
Examples:
- “There is no solution to the problem yet.”
- “There is no water in the bottle.”
- “There is no hope of winning.”
Notice how each noun here—solution, water, hope—is either singular or uncountable. These forms call for the singular verb is.
When to Use “There is No” with Singular Nouns
Using “there is no” makes perfect sense when you’re referring to the absence of a single item.
Here’s a simple rule of thumb:
If the noun is singular, use “there is no.”
Correct Usage Examples:
- “There is no dog in the yard.”
- “There is no email from the manager.”
- “There is no winner in this game.”
Using “there are no” in these cases would be grammatically incorrect.
The Role of Uncountable Nouns in Defining “There Is No”
Uncountable nouns (also known as mass nouns) don’t have a plural form and can’t be counted individually. Common examples include: water, sugar, money, furniture, information, advice.
“There is no” fits naturally with these because they’re grammatically singular.
Examples:
- “There is no money in my account.”
- “There is no furniture in the room.”
- “There is no sugar left.”
Even though some of these things may seem plural in meaning (like furniture), grammatically, they are treated as singular.
Deciphering “There Are No” for Plural Usage
The phrase “there are no” is reserved strictly for plural nouns. It’s used when multiple items or people are absent.
Examples:
- “There are no apples in the basket.”
- “There are no tickets left.”
- “There are no children in the playground.”
The key here is that the subject of the sentence is more than one item. That plural subject demands the verb are.
| Singular Noun | Use “There is no…” |
|---|---|
| book | “There is no book on the desk.” |
| Plural Noun | Use “There are no…” |
|---|---|
| books | “There are no books on the desk.” |
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
It’s easy to make mistakes with these phrases, especially when nouns are tricky or deceptive. Let’s clear up some of the most common mix-ups.
Mistake #1: Using “there is no” with plural nouns
❌ “There is no bananas in the bowl.”
✅ “There are no bananas in the bowl.”
Mistake #2: Treating uncountable nouns as plural
❌ “There are no information available.”
✅ “There is no information available.”
Mistake #3: Misidentifying collective nouns
More on that next.
Tricky Contexts: Collective, Mass, and Quantified Nouns
Some nouns are sneaky. They look singular but can behave like plurals, and vice versa.
Collective Nouns
Words like team, family, and audience refer to groups but are treated as singular in American English.
- “There is no team like ours.” ✅ (Correct)
- “There are no team like ours.” ❌ (Incorrect)
Mass Nouns
These refer to uncountable substances or concepts.
- “There is no love like hers.”
- “There is no rice left.”
Even though rice might contain many grains, it’s uncountable—thus singular.
Quantified Expressions
When dealing with numbers or quantities, follow the noun after the number.
- “There are no two ways about it.” ✅
- “There is no one good answer.” ✅
“There Is No” vs. “There Are No” with Fractions and Numbers
Fractions and numbers can be confusing, but here’s the trick:
👉 Look at the actual noun being quantified, not just the number.
Examples:
- “There is no half of the cake left.” ✅ (Singular: half of one cake)
- “There are no three options available.” ✅ (Plural: three options)
A single percentage can take either verb depending on the noun:
- “There is no 50% of the water remaining.” ✅
- “There are no 50% of the files available.” ✅
Golden Rule:
Always match the verb to the noun being quantified, not the number itself.
Real-World Examples: Applying the Correct Usage in Various Situations
Let’s look at how “there is no” and “there are no” show up in real life—from business writing to casual conversations.
| Scenario | Correct Phrase | Example |
|---|---|---|
| At the office | There is no | “There is no internet connection.” |
| In a restaurant | There are no | “There are no free tables available.” |
| Shopping | There are no | “There are no discounts this week.” |
| Travel | There is no | “There is no flight until tomorrow.” |
| Online conversation | There is no | “There is no need to panic.” |
Emphasizing the Difference Through Examples
Sometimes, just looking at contrast can make things click.
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| “There is no books on the shelf.” ❌ | “There are no books on the shelf.” ✅ |
| “There are no water in the jug.” ❌ | “There is no water in the jug.” ✅ |
| “There is no chairs in the room.” ❌ | “There are no chairs in the room.” ✅ |
Use this quick checklist when in doubt:
- Is the noun singular or uncountable? 👉 Use is
- Is the noun plural? 👉 Use are
The Impact of Language Trends on “There Is No” and “There Are No”
Modern usage is becoming increasingly casual, and you’ll often hear people say things like:
“There’s no rules anymore.” ❌
Technically, that’s wrong—rules is plural, so the correct form is:
“There are no rules anymore.” ✅
But spoken English is full of contractions like “there’s” even when referring to plurals. While that might be acceptable in informal speech, it’s best to keep your grammar sharp in writing and formal settings.
Pro Tip:
In writing, avoid “there’s” with plural nouns even if it sounds natural when spoken.
❓ 6 FAQs
Is it “there is no” or “there are no”?
It depends on the noun. Use “there is no” with singular or uncountable nouns, and “there are no” with plural nouns.
Can “there is no” be used with plural nouns?
No. Plural nouns require the verb “are,” so the correct phrase is “there are no” (e.g., “There are no chairs”).
What are uncountable nouns and how do they affect this choice?
Uncountable nouns (like sugar, information, furniture) take “there is no” because they’re grammatically singular, even if they refer to things in bulk.
Why do people say “there’s no rules” in speech?
It’s a common informal contraction, but it’s incorrect in writing. The correct form is “there are no rules” because rules is plural.
How do I know which phrase to use quickly?
Ask yourself if the noun is singular/uncountable or plural. Singular/uncountable = “there is no”. Plural = “there are no.”
Can I use “there is no” with collective nouns?
Yes, in American English, collective nouns like team or family are treated as singular, so “there is no team like ours” is correct.
Conclusion: Trust the Grammar, Not the Gut
If you’ve ever wondered whether to say “there is no” or “there are no,” now you know: it all comes down to the number and type of noun you’re referring to.
✅ Use “there is no” with singular or uncountable nouns.
✅ Use “there are no” with plural nouns.
Language evolves, but clear grammar never goes out of style. Bookmark this guide, refer back to the tables, and next time you’re stuck mid-sentence—you’ll know exactly what to say.
