This morning I suddenly have no idea which of "there are a lot" or "there is a lot" is correct! I think it depends on if the verb is referring to either "a lot" as an object, or to an object following "a lot" (such as "of widgets"), which would then make "a lot" a kind of adjective.
i.e., "There is a lot." But, "There are a lot of widgets."
Of course, part of the confusion may be because it's become common to shorten "there are" to "there's," even when it clearly should be "there ARE." Ugh.
Any thoughts?
i.e., "There is a lot." But, "There are a lot of widgets."
Of course, part of the confusion may be because it's become common to shorten "there are" to "there's," even when it clearly should be "there ARE." Ugh.
Any thoughts?
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Portland
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Re: "there are a lot" or "there is a lot"
Mon, February 13, 2006 - 3:06 PMI believe you are on the right track there. If the word "lot" is the main/only object the word ('is') is referring to, then use the singular "is". If there is another (more descriptive) noun that 'there are a lot of' (like the word 'widgets'), and that noun is plural, then use the plural "are".
