Have you ever stopped while writing a sentence and wondered, “Should I say there has been or there have been?” This guide explains there has been vs there have been, a common English grammar question, in simple US English. Both expressions look almost identical, but the correct choice depends on the noun that comes after been.
For example, you might write, “There has been several changes,” but a reader may notice that several changes is plural. The correct sentence is “There have been several changes.” On the other hand, if you are talking about one thing, you would say, “There has been a change.”
The key is simple: there has been is normally used with a singular noun or an uncountable noun, while there have been is used with a plural noun. The word there does not determine whether you use has or have. Instead, you need to look at the noun that follows the verb.
In this guide, we will explain there has been vs there have been in simple US English, with examples, grammar rules, tables, common mistakes, practical situations, FAQs, and easy tips to help you choose the correct form every time. Marquee vs Marquis
Quick Answer: There Has Been vs There Have Been
There has been is used before a singular or uncountable noun.
- There has been a problem.
- There has been a delay.
- There has been some confusion.
There have been is used before a plural noun.
- There have been several problems.
- There have been many delays.
- There have been some changes.
The easiest rule
👉 Singular or uncountable noun → there has been
👉 Plural noun → there have been
For example:
- There has been a mistake. ✅
- There have been several mistakes. ✅
Cambridge explains that there can function as a dummy subject in this construction, while the noun after the verb represents the real subject. It also distinguishes singular and plural forms such as there is and there are.
Understanding the Basics of There Has Been vs There Have Been
To understand this difference, first look at the structure.
There has been
The basic pattern is:
There + has + been + singular/uncountable noun
Examples:
- There has been a problem.
- There has been an accident.
- There has been a major improvement.
- There has been some progress.
- There has been a lot of rain.
The word has agrees with the singular or uncountable noun.
There have been
The basic pattern is:
There + have + been + plural noun
Examples:
- There have been many problems.
- There have been three accidents.
- There have been several improvements.
- There have been many complaints.
- There have been a few delays.
Here, have agrees with the plural noun.
Comparison Table
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example | Correct/Incorrect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| There has been | Singular | One thing has existed or happened | There has been a problem. | ✅ Correct |
| There has been | Uncountable | An uncountable thing has existed or happened | There has been some progress. | ✅ Correct |
| There have been | Plural | More than one thing has existed or happened | There have been several problems. | ✅ Correct |
| There have been | Plural | Multiple events or things have occurred | There have been many changes. | ✅ Correct |
| There has been | Plural | Used with a plural noun | There has been several problems. | ❌ Incorrect |
| There have been | Singular | Used with a singular noun | There have been a problem. | ❌ Incorrect |
The important point is that has and have must match the noun being introduced.
What Does “There Has Been” Mean?
There has been is the present perfect form of the existential construction.
It tells us that something has existed, happened, occurred, or been present at some point up to now.
Example 1: A problem
There has been a problem with the website.
Breakdown:
- There = introduces the existence of something
- has = singular helping verb
- been = past participle of be
- a problem = singular noun
Because problem is singular, has is correct.
Example 2: A change
There has been a significant change in the schedule.
The noun change is singular.
Therefore:
There has been a significant change. ✅
Not:
There have been a significant change. ❌
Example 3: An uncountable noun
There has been some confusion about the instructions.
Here, confusion is normally treated as an uncountable noun.
Therefore, we use has been.
Other uncountable nouns commonly used with there has been include:
- progress
- information
- traffic
- rain
- confusion
- improvement
- growth
- development
- damage
- research
Examples:
- There has been a lot of progress.
- There has been heavy traffic.
- There has been some damage.
- There has been considerable growth.
What Does “There Have Been” Mean?
There have been is used when the noun that follows is plural.
It means that multiple things, events, people, or situations have existed, happened, or occurred.
Example 1: Several problems
There have been several problems with the new system.
The noun problems is plural.
Therefore, have been is correct.
Example 2: Many changes
There have been many changes this year.
The noun changes is plural, so we use have.
Example 3: Multiple events
There have been three meetings this week.
The noun meetings is plural.
Therefore:
There have been three meetings. ✅
Not:
There has been three meetings. ❌
The Main Difference Between There Has Been and There Have Been
The difference is mainly about number.
Singular
Use there has been when the noun is singular.
There has been one mistake.
There has been a delay.
There has been an accident.
Plural
Use there have been when the noun is plural.
There have been two mistakes.
There have been several delays.
There have been many accidents.
Simple memory trick 🧠
Look immediately after been.
If you see:
a/an + singular noun → has
If you see:
several/many/two/three + plural noun → have
Compare:
- There has been a problem.
- There have been many problems.
Changing problem to problems changes has to have.
Why “There” Does Not Decide the Verb
This is where many learners become confused.
You may think:
“There” is singular, so shouldn’t I always use “has”?
No.
In this construction, there is often called a dummy subject, empty subject, or anticipatory subject. It introduces the real subject later in the sentence.
For example:
There have been several complaints.
The word there comes first, but complaints is the noun that determines whether the verb should be singular or plural.
Cambridge describes there as a dummy subject in constructions such as there is and there are, explaining that the actual subject appears later in the clause.
Think of the sentence like this:
There have been several complaints.
Real subject → several complaints
Verb → have been
Because complaints is plural, have is required.
Correct Meanings and Uses
1. Use “There Has Been” With One Thing
When only one countable thing is being discussed, use there has been.
Examples:
There has been a mistake.
There has been an accident.
There has been a delay.
There has been a misunderstanding.
There has been a major improvement.
Sentence breakdown
There has been a delay.
- There → dummy subject
- has → singular auxiliary
- been → past participle
- a delay → singular noun
Because delay is singular, the sentence uses has been.
2. Use “There Has Been” With Uncountable Nouns
Uncountable nouns do not normally take a plural -s.
Examples include:
- information
- advice
- progress
- traffic
- research
- equipment
- damage
- confusion
So we say:
There has been some progress.
Not:
There have been some progress. ❌
We also say:
There has been a lot of research on this topic.
There has been some damage to the building.
There has been too much traffic today.
The nouns progress, research, damage, and traffic are being treated as uncountable.
3. Use “There Have Been” With More Than One Thing
When the noun is plural, use there have been.
Examples:
There have been several complaints.
There have been many changes.
There have been three meetings.
There have been numerous attempts.
There have been some unexpected problems.
The plural noun controls the agreement.
Compare
One complaint:
There has been a complaint.
Several complaints:
There have been several complaints.
This is one of the easiest ways to remember the rule.
4. Use “There Has Been” for a Single Event
You can use there has been when one event has happened.
There has been an accident on the highway.
There has been a meeting about the issue.
There has been a sudden change in weather.
Each sentence refers to one event or occurrence.
5. Use “There Have Been” for Multiple Events
When more than one event has occurred, use there have been.
There have been several accidents this month.
There have been three meetings about the project.
There have been many changes since January.
There have been several attempts to fix the issue.
The plural noun makes have been necessary.
Test Tip: Find the Real Subject 🔎
If you are unsure whether to use has or have, ignore there for a moment.
Then find the noun after been.
Ask:
Is it singular or uncountable?
→ Use there has been.
Is it plural?
→ Use there have been.
For example:
There ___ been several updates.
Find the noun:
updates
Is it plural?
Yes.
So:
There have been several updates. ✅
Now try:
There ___ been an update.
Update is singular.
Therefore:
There has been an update. ✅
This quick test works in most standard sentences.
There Has Been vs There Have Been in Questions
The same agreement rule applies in questions.
Singular
Has there been a problem?
Has there been an accident?
Has there been any progress?
Plural
Have there been any problems?
Have there been several complaints?
Have there been any changes?
Notice the difference:
Has there been + singular/uncountable noun
Have there been + plural noun
Compare
Has there been a change? ✅
Have there been any changes? ✅
This is a useful pattern to remember because questions often appear in professional emails and conversations.
There Has Not Been vs There Have Not Been
The negative forms follow the same rule.
Singular or uncountable
There has not been a response.
There has not been any progress.
There hasn’t been a problem.
Plural
There have not been any responses.
There have not been many improvements.
There haven’t been any problems.
The contractions are:
has not → hasn’t
have not → haven’t
Examples:
There hasn’t been a decision yet.
There haven’t been any decisions yet.
There Has Been vs There Have Been With “A Lot Of”
This is a common source of confusion.
Look at the noun after a lot of.
Uncountable noun
There has been a lot of progress.
Progress is uncountable, so use has been.
Plural noun
There have been a lot of changes.
Changes is plural, so use have been.
Compare:
- There has been a lot of traffic. ✅
- There have been a lot of cars. ✅
The phrase a lot of does not automatically determine the verb. The noun does.
There Has Been vs There Have Been With “Some”
The same idea applies to some.
Uncountable
There has been some confusion.
Plural
There have been some questions.
So:
some + uncountable noun → has been
some + plural noun → have been
Examples:
- There has been some damage.
- There have been some mistakes.
- There has been some progress.
- There have been some complaints.
Case Study: A Workplace Email
Imagine that a manager is writing to employees after a software update.
Incorrect version
There has been several problems with the new software. There has been many complaints from customers.
The first sentence is incorrect because problems is plural.
The second sentence is also incorrect because complaints is plural.
Correct version
There have been several problems with the new software. There have been many complaints from customers.
Now the grammar agrees with the plural nouns.
Another example
Suppose the manager wants to mention one issue:
There has been a problem with the payment system.
Here, problem is singular, so has been is correct.
Practical lesson
In professional writing, small grammar choices can make your message look more polished.
A simple check can help:
One → has been
More than one → have been
Grammar Rules: Why Is One Form Correct?
The grammatical principle is subject-verb agreement.
English verbs often change according to whether the subject is singular or plural.
Compare:
- The problem has occurred.
- The problems have occurred.
The same agreement appears in the existential construction:
- There has been a problem.
- There have been problems.
The word there introduces the construction, but the following noun determines the form of the verb.
Cambridge’s grammar guidance explains that there is and there are introduce the existence or presence of something, with the singular and plural forms corresponding to the noun being introduced.
The same principle extends naturally to the present perfect:
- There has been a problem.
- There have been problems.
What about Merriam-Webster?
Standard American English grammar follows the same basic subject-verb agreement principle: singular subjects take singular verb forms, while plural subjects take plural forms.
The important point is not to treat there as the noun controlling the verb. In sentences like these, identify the noun that the construction is presenting.
Why People Confuse Has and Have
This mistake is extremely common because of the sentence structure.
Normally, we expect the subject to come before the verb:
The problem has occurred.
The problems have occurred.
But existential sentences place there at the beginning:
There has been a problem.
There have been problems.
Because the noun comes after the verb, writers may choose the wrong form.
Common reasons include:
1. Fast typing
People often type quickly and choose has automatically.
2. Autocorrect
Typing software may suggest a familiar phrase without understanding the grammatical context.
3. Lack of grammar knowledge
Some learners may not know that the noun after been controls the agreement.
4. Spoken English
In casual speech, people sometimes use nonstandard agreement, especially when speaking quickly. Formal writing should follow standard agreement.
5. Distance between the verb and noun
Words can appear between the verb and the noun:
There have recently been several changes.
The words recently and been can make the structure harder to see.
Common Grammar Confusions
| Confusion | Correct Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| its / it’s | Depends on meaning | It’s raining. / The dog hurt its paw. |
| your / you’re | Depends on meaning | You’re right. / Your answer is correct. |
| their / there / they’re | Depends on meaning | They’re over there with their friends. |
| then / than | Depends on meaning | First this, then that. / Better than before. |
| affect / effect | Depends on function | It affected me. / It had an effect. |
| there has been / there have been | Depends on number | There has been a problem. / There have been problems. |
| fewer / less | Depends on countability | Fewer errors. / Less information. |
| who / whom | Depends on grammatical role | Who called? / Whom did you call? |
The lesson is simple: English has many pairs that sound similar or appear similar but perform different grammatical jobs.
Usage in Different Contexts
Everyday Conversation
Both forms are common in normal conversation.
Examples:
There has been a change in the plan.
There have been a few problems.
Has there been any news?
Have there been any updates?
In everyday speech, contractions are common:
There hasn’t been much rain.
There haven’t been many customers today.
Professional Writing
In professional emails, reports, and workplace documents, use the standard form carefully.
Examples:
There has been a delay in processing your request.
There have been several changes to the policy.
There has been an increase in customer demand.
There have been multiple requests for additional information.
Correct subject-verb agreement makes professional writing clearer and more polished.
Creative Writing
Writers may use these forms to describe events, changes, or experiences.
Examples:
There has been a strange silence in the village.
There have been rumors about the old house.
There has been a sudden shift in the atmosphere.
There have been many stories about the mysterious traveler.
The same grammar rules apply even when the writing is creative.
Social Media and Texting
Informal online writing often contains shortcuts and grammatical errors.
You might see:
There’s been so many changes!
In formal standard English, there have been so many changes is the safer choice because changes is plural.
However, contractions and casual language are very common online. Cambridge notes that there’s is a contraction of both there is and there has, while informal speech can sometimes use there’s with plural references. For formal writing and examinations, standard agreement is recommended.
For example:
There’s been a problem.
This is correct when there’s means there has.
But:
There’s been several problems.
This is commonly heard in informal speech, but formal standard writing should use:
There have been several problems.
The Special Case of “There’s Been”
This is an important point.
There’s can mean there is or there has.
Cambridge specifically lists there’s as a short form of both there is and there has.
For example:
There’s been a problem.
Here:
There’s = There has
So the full sentence is:
There has been a problem.
Likewise:
There’s been a delay.
means:
There has been a delay.
This is grammatically correct because the noun delay is singular.
But what about plural nouns?
You may hear:
There’s been several problems.
This occurs in informal speech, but formal writing should use:
There have been several problems.
This distinction is especially important in academic assignments, professional documents, exams, and carefully edited articles.
There Has Been vs There Have Been With Time Expressions
These forms are often used with time expressions such as:
- recently
- lately
- this week
- this month
- this year
- since Monday
- over the past few days
- in recent years
Examples:
There has been a lot of rain this week.
There have been several storms this month.
There has been significant progress recently.
There have been many developments in recent years.
The time expression does not decide whether you use has or have.
The noun does.
There Has Been vs There Have Been in Passive-Like Structures
These constructions can also appear before past participles that describe events or actions.
Examples:
There has been a discussion about the issue.
There have been discussions about the issue.
The difference is singular versus plural.
Compare:
One discussion:
There has been a discussion.
Multiple discussions:
There have been discussions.
Similarly:
There has been an investigation.
There have been several investigations.
Common Incorrect Examples and Corrections
Mistake 1
❌ There has been many changes.
✅ There have been many changes.
Why?
Changes is plural.
Mistake 2
❌ There have been a problem.
✅ There has been a problem.
Why?
Problem is singular.
Mistake 3
❌ There has been several complaints.
✅ There have been several complaints.
Why?
Complaints is plural.
Mistake 4
❌ There have been an accident.
✅ There has been an accident.
Why?
Accident is singular.
Mistake 5
❌ There have been some progress.
✅ There has been some progress.
Why?
Progress is normally uncountable in this meaning.
Mistake 6
❌ There has been several improvements.
✅ There have been several improvements.
Why?
Improvements is plural.
A Simple Three-Step Method
When you see a sentence containing there has been or there have been, use these three steps.
Step 1: Find the noun
Look for the noun after been.
Example:
There have been several errors.
The noun is errors.
Step 2: Check its number
Is it singular, uncountable, or plural?
Errors is plural.
Step 3: Choose the verb
Plural → have
Therefore:
There have been several errors. ✅
Try another:
There ___ been a serious error.
Error is singular.
Therefore:
There has been a serious error. ✅
This method is fast, simple, and reliable.
Why This Rule Matters
Grammar is not only about passing tests. It helps people understand your message quickly.
Clarity in communication
Compare:
There has been several changes.
with:
There have been several changes.
The second sentence immediately follows standard subject-verb agreement.
Professionalism
A grammar mistake in an email, report, resume, or business document can make the writing appear less polished.
Correct grammar helps your writing communicate confidence.
Digital communication
Today, people write constantly:
- emails
- social media posts
- online applications
- messages
- blogs
- reports
- website content
Because so much communication happens through text, small grammar choices matter.
A useful reminder
Good grammar makes your meaning easier to trust and understand.
You do not need complicated grammar to write well. You need accurate grammar used consistently.
Special Exceptions and Edge Cases
There is no major exception that changes the basic rule for standard US English.
However, informal spoken English can sometimes use there’s with plural nouns:
There’s a lot of people here.
or:
There’s several reasons for this.
These forms are heard frequently in conversation, but they are not the best choice for formal edited writing.
For formal contexts, use:
There are a lot of people here.
There are several reasons for this.
Likewise, with the present perfect:
Informal:
There’s been several problems.
Formal standard English:
There have been several problems.
So the safest rule is:
Match the verb to the noun, especially in formal writing.
Quick Recap Checklist
| Question | If Yes → Use |
|---|---|
| Is there one countable noun? | There has been |
| Is the noun uncountable? | There has been |
| Is the noun plural? | There have been |
| Are there several events? | There have been |
| Are you talking about one event? | There has been |
| Does the sentence contain “many,” “several,” or “two”? | Usually there have been |
| Does the sentence contain “a,” “an,” or one singular noun? | There has been |
Practice Examples
1. There ___ been a serious mistake.
Answer: There has been a serious mistake. ✅
2. There ___ been several mistakes.
Answer: There have been several mistakes. ✅
3. There ___ been some progress.
Answer: There has been some progress. ✅
Quick memory formula 🧠
ONE → HAS
MANY → HAVE
UNCOUNTABLE → HAS
FAQs About There Has Been vs There Have Been
1. Is “there has been” singular?
Yes. There has been is used with a singular noun or an uncountable noun.
Example:
There has been a problem.
Here, problem is singular.
2. Is “there have been” plural?
Yes. There have been is used with plural nouns.
Example:
There have been several problems.
Because problems is plural, have is correct.
3. Which is correct: “there has been many” or “there have been many”?
There have been many is correct when the noun that follows is plural.
Correct:
There have been many changes.
Incorrect in standard formal English:
There has been many changes.
4. Is “there has been a lot of” correct?
Yes, when the noun after a lot of is uncountable.
Example:
There has been a lot of progress.
But with a plural noun, use have:
There have been a lot of changes.
5. Can “there’s been” mean “there has been”?
Yes. There’s been is a contraction of there has been.
For example:
There’s been a mistake.
means:
There has been a mistake.
Cambridge confirms that there’s can be a short form of both there is and there has.
6. Is “there’s been several” grammatically correct?
In informal speech, you may hear there’s been several. However, in formal standard writing, it is better to write:
There have been several problems.
The plural noun problems calls for have been.
7. How can I remember the difference between “there has been” and “there have been”?
Look at the noun.
If it is one thing or an uncountable noun, use:
There has been
If it is more than one thing, use:
There have been
Think:
One → has
Many → have
8. What is the difference between “there has been” and “there have been”?
The difference is subject-verb agreement.
There has been a problem.
There have been several problems.
Has goes with singular or uncountable nouns, while have goes with plural nouns.
Conclusion
Understanding there has been vs there have been becomes much easier once you stop focusing on the word there and look at the noun that follows the verb.
Use there has been with a singular noun or an uncountable noun:
There has been a problem.
There has been some progress.
Use there have been with a plural noun:
There have been several problems.
There have been many changes.
The most useful rule to remember is simple: one or uncountable → has; plural → have. This rule works in statements, questions, negative sentences, workplace emails, academic writing, and everyday communication.
Also remember that there’s been can mean there has been, but formal writing should still follow normal subject-verb agreement when a plural noun follows.
Once you train yourself to identify the real noun in the sentence, this grammar choice becomes almost automatic. Find the noun, check the number, and choose has or have.
One has been. Many have been. That’s the rule to remember.
Sources
- Cambridge Dictionary, There is, there’s and there are — guidance on existential there, singular/plural forms, and formal versus informal usage.
- Cambridge Dictionary, Dummy subjects — explanation of there as a dummy subject and the role of the real subject.
- Cambridge Dictionary, There’s — explanation that there’s can contract both there is and there has.
Hi, I’m Alexander Hayes, a grammar and writing specialist at Gramcora. I enjoy creating informative resources that help students, professionals, and English learners write with confidence and accuracy.
