This is a common grammar question. The correct choice depends on whether the noun that follows is singular or plural.
Quick Answer
- There has been → singular
- There have been → plural
👉 In short:
Singular → has
Plural → have
What Does “There Has Been” Mean?
Use there has been when talking about one thing.
Structure
👉 There + has + been + singular noun
Examples
- There has been a problem.
- There has been an accident.
- There has been a delay in the system.
✔ Used with singular nouns
✔ More formal and precise
What Does “There Have Been” Mean?
Use there have been when talking about more than one thing.
Structure
👉 There + have + been + plural noun
Examples
- There have been many problems.
- There have been several accidents.
- There have been delays in the system.
✔ Used with plural nouns
✔ Very common in everyday English
Key Difference
| Phrase | Use With | Example |
|---|---|---|
| There has been | Singular | There has been a mistake |
| There have been | Plural | There have been mistakes |
Simple Trick to Remember
👉 Has = one ✔
👉 Have = many ✔
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using “Has” With Plural Nouns
❌ There has been many issues
✅ There have been many issues
2. Using “Have” With Singular Nouns
❌ There have been a problem
✅ There has been a problem
3. Ignoring the Real Subject
The word “there” is not the subject—the noun after been is.
Real-Life Examples
Singular
- There has been a change in plans.
Plural
- There have been several changes in plans.
American vs British English
There is no difference:
- Both follow the same rule
FAQs
Which is correct: there has been or there have been?
Both are correct, depending on the noun.
When do I use “has been”?
With singular nouns.
When do I use “have been”?
With plural nouns.
Is “there has been many” correct?
No.
Is this a common mistake?
Yes, very common.
Summary
- There has been → singular
- There have been → plural
Final Thoughts
The key to using these correctly is simple: match the verb with the noun, not with “there.” Once you remember this, the choice becomes easy every time.
Sarah Davis is a content writer at BibliHub.com, focused on delivering clear, organized, and easy-to-read articles. Her writing prioritizes simplicity without losing accuracy, helping readers quickly grasp key ideas. Sarah is dedicated to creating content that is informative, reliable, and suitable for a wide audience seeking practical knowledge.
