'Il y a' in English

Many of you make mistakes when you want to say 'il y a' in English

· Grammar

There is vs. Ago

There is is used to indicate the presence or the existence of something or of someone. There are is the plural form of there is. For example: There is a pen on the table, or there are three pens on the table. Here are a few more examples:

  1. There's no one in the building.
  2. There are no tables in the room.
  3. Is there anything I can do for you?
  4. Are there any bank holidays this month?

Ago is used to indicate a time back in the past from today. For example, I was born twenty years ago, or I saw john a few minutes ago. Both there is and ago are the same as the French il y a. But clearly in English they are used differently. Here are some examples of ago.

  1. How long ago did you live in Lesotho?
  2. Many years ago there were no cars on this island.

The following sentences are wrong:

  1. I had lunch there is one hour.
  2. We saw him in concert there is two years ago.

You may subscribe (using the form below) to this newsletter, if you haven't already done so.

(Bidouillé par Ret)