Which one is correct? It depends on how many things or people you would like to mention.
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If itโs only one (or your word is an uncountable noun), use โhas beenโ:
- There has been a slight delay. Iโm afraid youโll have to wait a few more minutes before we can start.
- There has been a change of plans.
- There has been a lot of speculation over who the new minister will be.
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Letโs look at some examples with plural forms:
- Although there have been some improvements, weโre still not satisfied with your service.
- There have been discussions concerning their new product.
- There have been some proposals for a manned mission to Mars.
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As you can see the words improvements, discussions and proposals are in the PLURAL FORM, so in these sentences โthere have beenโ is used.
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When using the verb โto beโ, aways make sure that its form matches the subject and check if itโs singular/uncountable or plural.
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SINGULAR/ UNCOUNTABLE
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- There is a cat under my blanket.
- There is some milk on her wiskers.
- There has been a fight.
- There hasnโt been much noise.
- There was a dog here before, but my cat has scared him away.
- There was a lot of tension in the air.
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PLURAL
Present Perfect Tense Exercise | English Grammar Exercise
- There are some cats under my blanket.
- There are some pieces of cheese in my bed.
- There have been some mice in the house.
- There were a lot of flowers in my garden before, but my cat has eaten them all.