When I first learned these special cases, I kept a notebook of examples to remind myself how grammar patterns work in different contexts. There Has Been or There Have Been: Understanding the Correct Usage is something every English learner should explore, as some phrases are tricky, misunderstood, yet part of a system that describes situations began in the past and remain relevant, nearly identical but requiring knowing the number or subject for easy choice.
Over time, mastering these phrases can sharpen your writing, improve communication, and boost confidence in speaking in a classroom, typing emails, or chatting over coffee. English learners often stumble with the forms there has been and there have been, interchangeable at first glance, but they sound odd or wrong if misused.
This comprehensive guide breaks it down into real-world examples, letting you walk away, knowing exactly how each word changes the sentence and makes everything clear.
What “There Has Been” and “There Have Been” Actually Mean
The phrases “there has been” and “there have been” are examples of existential “there” constructions. That may sound technical, but it’s simple once you understand it.
The word “there” in these sentences isn’t the subject. Instead, it acts as a dummy subject, helping to introduce new information. The real subject comes after the verb, and that’s what determines whether you use has or have.
The basic structure is:
There + has/have + been + noun phrase
Examples
| Phrase | Meaning |
| There has been a mistake | One mistake occurred |
| There have been several changes | Multiple changes occurred |
| There has been progress | Continuous improvement or uncountable achievement |
Notice how the noun after “been” controls the verb. Singular nouns and uncountable nouns use has, while plural nouns use have.
The Core Rule: Singular vs. Plural Subjects
The key to using “there has been” and “there have been” correctly lies in understanding subject-verb agreement.
When to Use “There Has Been”
Use there has been with singular nouns or uncountable nouns.
Examples:
- There has been a delay in the project.
- There has been an error in the report.
- There has been significant progress in the study.
When to Use “There Have Been”
Use there have been with plural nouns.
Examples:
- There have been multiple complaints from clients.
- There have been several updates this week.
- There have been unexpected issues during testing.
Quick Comparison Table
| Subject Type | Correct Phrase | Example |
| Singular noun | There has been | There has been a problem |
| Plural noun | There have been | There have been problems |
| Uncountable noun | There has been | There has been progress |
By remembering this table, you’ll rarely make mistakes in writing or speech.
Why “There” Confuses Writers
Many writers make mistakes because they think “there” is the subject. It’s not. The verb doesn’t match there—it matches the noun that comes after been.
Incorrect: ❌ There have been a mistake.
Correct: ✔ There has been a mistake.
Once you realize that the real subject is the noun after been, choosing has or have becomes straightforward.
Understanding the Grammar Structure Behind It
Existential “there” constructions are a common feature of English. They allow speakers and writers to introduce new information or shift emphasis in a sentence.
The structure looks like this:
Dummy subject + verb + real subject
Examples:
- There has been a problem.
- There have been several problems.
Compare standard sentences with existential sentences:
| Standard Sentence | Existential Sentence |
| A problem has occurred | There has been a problem |
| Several problems occurred | There have been several problems |
This structure is especially useful in professional and academic writing because it allows you to highlight the occurrence of something rather than the subject itself.
Read More: Among Others: Meaning, Correct Usage, Grammar Rules, and Real Examples in English
Common Mistakes People Make
Even experienced writers slip up. Here are the top mistakes and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Matching the verb with “there”
Incorrect: ❌ There have been a delay.
Correct: ✔ There has been a delay.
Mistake 2: Confusion with compound nouns
Incorrect: ❌ There has been many complaints.
Correct: ✔ There have been many complaints.
Mistake 3: Misuse with numbers
Incorrect: ❌ There has been three errors.
Correct: ✔ There have been three errors.
By always checking the noun after been, you can quickly spot and correct these errors.
Special Cases That Confuse Even Advanced Writers
Even native speakers stumble over collective nouns, mixed phrases, and lists after the verb.
Collective Nouns
- There has been a team meeting.
- There have been several team meetings.
Mixed Noun Phrases
- There has been a delay and confusion.
Lists After the Verb
Verb usually agrees with the first noun:
- There has been a problem and several complaints.
Understanding these subtle rules helps you write sentences that sound natural and professional.
“There Has Been” vs “There Have Been” in Different Tenses
These phrases also appear in past and future perfect tenses.
Present Perfect
- There has been
- There have been
Example:
- There has been a misunderstanding.
- There have been several complaints.
Past Perfect
- There had been
Example:
- There had been multiple warnings before the accident.
Future Perfect
- There will have been
Example:
- There will have been significant improvements by next year.
Knowing these variations lets you write accurately across timeframes.
Real-Life Examples in Writing
These constructions appear in many contexts:
Business Communication
- There has been a delay in shipment.
- There have been multiple client requests.
Academic Writing
- There have been several studies on climate change.
- There has been progress in renewable energy research.
News Reporting
- There have been multiple reports of flooding in the region.
- There has been a breakthrough in vaccine research.
By observing real-world examples, you see how versatile and important these constructions are.
Quick Grammar Test (Practice Section)
Try filling in the blanks:
- There ___ been several complaints.
- There ___ been a misunderstanding.
- There ___ been many improvements.
Answers:
- have (plural noun: complaints)
- has (singular noun: misunderstanding)
- have (plural noun: improvements)
Practicing like this helps reinforce subject-verb agreement in your mind.
Simple Trick to Always Get It Right
Follow this 4-step method:
- Ignore “there.”
- Look at the noun after been.
- Decide if it is singular, plural, or uncountable.
- Choose has or have.
Example:
- There ___ been many changes.
Plural → use have.
✔ Correct: There have been many changes.
Quick Cheat Sheet
| Noun Type | Use Phrase | Example |
| Singular | There has been | There has been a problem |
| Plural | There have been | There have been problems |
| Uncountable | There has been | There has been progress |
Keep this cheat sheet handy when writing emails, reports, or essays.
Conclusion
Understanding when to use there has been and there have been is crucial for clear communication in English. By observing the number or subject of a sentence, noting tricky phrases, and practicing with examples, learners can master these forms. Regular writing, speaking, and real-world practice helps boost confidence, avoid misconceptions, and ensure your sentences sound natural and correct every time.
FAQs
Q1: When should I use “there has been”?
Use there has been with singular nouns or uncountable subjects to indicate that something began in the past and is still relevant.
Q2: When should I use “there have been”?
Use there have been with plural nouns to describe multiple situations or events that started in the past and continue to matter.
Q3: Are “there has been” and “there have been” interchangeable?
No. Although they seem similar, the number of the subject determines the correct form; using the wrong one may sound odd.
Q4: How can I remember the difference?
Keeping a notebook of examples and practicing with real-world sentences helps learners avoid common misconceptions and master usage.
Q5: Can these forms improve my confidence in English?
Yes. Mastering there has been and there have been sharpen writing, improve communication, and boost confidence in both speaking and writing.
Muhammad Usman is the founder of Pure English Guide, a dedicated platform that simplifies English grammar, vocabulary, and writing rules for learners worldwide. With a strong passion for language education, he creates clear, well-researched, and practical guides that help students and professionals understand complex grammar concepts with ease. His mission is to make English learning simple, structured, and accessible for everyone.