When I worked with learners and even native speakers, I noticed how some advanced English users still struggle with the correct usage of these tricky phrases. The choice between “there has been” and “there have been” often shows up in daily conversations, writing, or when people ask questions in class.
The real confusion comes from the subject and verb agreement, because certain sentences fall into improper structure, breaking the natural flow of communication. I once wrote an article full of rules and every phrase I could memorize, just so I could understand when to choose the right form. It felt like solving a puzzle, where every piece fits a space—singular nouns take one version, and plural ones take the other.
Later, I learned from special cases I collected in a notebook, full of examples that helped remind me of the right habit. By watching grammar patterns in real context, I realized many had misunderstood this tricky system. These expressions actually describe situations starting in the past but still relevant today. Once the number and choice are clear, the mistakes and misconceptions fade away.
Over time, even fluent speakers can keep mastering the skill to sharpen their writing, improve their style, and boost confidence. I’ve seen it work whether someone is speaking in a classroom, typing an email, or chatting over coffee.
Breaking Down the Grammar Basics
At the heart of this choice lies subject–verb agreement. English verbs must match their subjects in number. That means singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.
When we use “there has been” or “there have been,” the word “there” doesn’t act as the subject. Instead, it’s an expletive subject (a placeholder). The real subject comes after the verb:
- There has been a problem. (subject: a problem → singular)
- There have been many problems. (subject: problems → plural)
This structure is known as an existential clause. It signals the presence or occurrence of something.
When to Use “There Has Been”
Use “there has been” when the subject is singular or uncountable.
- Singular countable noun:
- There has been a mistake in the report.
- There has been a delay in shipping.
- Uncountable noun:
- There has been progress on the project.
- There has been confusion about the schedule.
It also fits naturally with time expressions like “since,” “recently,” or “lately”:
- There has been an increase in online learning since 2020.
- There has been more discussion lately about AI in education.
When to Use “There Have Been”
Choose “there have been” when the subject is plural.
- There have been many challenges this year.
- There have been several reports about the incident.
In professional and academic contexts, this form is common because plural nouns often describe real-world data, trends, and events:
- There have been multiple studies on climate change.
- There have been errors in the final calculations.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Quick Reference Table
Here’s a quick guide you can reference anytime:
| Subject Type | Correct Form | Example Sentence |
| Singular countable | There has been | There has been a new policy introduced. |
| Plural countable | There have been | There have been several meetings today. |
| Uncountable noun | There has been | There has been improvement in student performance. |
| Time expression + singular | There has been | There has been a problem since last week. |
| Time expression + plural | There have been | There have been delays over the past few months. |
Examples That Clarify Usage
Everyday conversation:
- There has been a storm in the Midwest.
- There have been long lines at the airport.
Academic writing:
- There has been limited research on this topic until recently.
- There have been several case studies documenting the effects.
Professional communication:
- There has been an update to the company policy.
- There have been complaints from customers about delayed service.
These examples show how the choice depends entirely on whether your subject is singular or plural.
The Mechanics of “Been” in English Grammar
The word “been” is the past participle of “to be.” It only appears with auxiliary verbs like has or have.
- Present perfect tense: describes something that started in the past and continues into the present.
- There has been a misunderstanding.
- There have been opportunities for growth.
Compare this with “was/were” (simple past), which describe events completed entirely in the past:
- There was a problem yesterday.
- There were several students absent last week.
So while “been” connects the past to the present, “was/were” stay locked in the past.
Asking Questions with “Has Been” and “Have Been”
In questions, inversion flips the auxiliary before the subject:
- Has there been a response yet?
- Have there been any announcements?
In informal speech, people sometimes shorten it:
- Has there been any news? → Been any news?
- Have there been changes? → Any changes?
But in professional or academic contexts, stick with the full form for clarity.
Making Statements: Affirmative and Negative Forms
Affirmative statements:
- There has been success in the trial.
- There have been improvements in test scores.
Negative statements:
- There has not been enough funding.
- There have not been any updates this week.
You can also use contractions for a conversational tone:
- There hasn’t been progress on that yet.
- There haven’t been problems so far.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- There have been a mistake. → Wrong (subject is singular).
- There has been many problems. → Wrong (subject is plural).
Other mistakes:
- Mixing up present perfect with past perfect:
- There had been issues before the new system launched. (past perfect → before another past event).
- Overusing contractions in formal writing.
Quick tip: Always identify the real subject after the verb before choosing has or have.
Historical and Modern Usage Trends
In older English texts, existential constructions were less common. Writers often rephrased to avoid them. For example, instead of “There has been a change,” you might find “A change has occurred.”
Modern English, especially American English, uses “there has been/there have been” frequently. In fact, news media, business reports, and academic journals rely on them to introduce updates or highlight developments:
- There has been renewed interest in space exploration. (New York Times)
- There have been multiple breakthroughs in cancer research. (National Institutes of Health)
Special Cases and Nuances
Some tricky subjects blur the line between singular and plural:
- Collective nouns:
- There has been a committee formed. (the committee as one unit).
- There have been committees formed across departments. (multiple groups).
- Abstract subjects:
- There has been evidence to support the claim. (uncountable).
- There have been pieces of evidence presented. (countable).
- Regional differences:
- British English sometimes treats collective nouns as plural:
- There have been staff working late.
- American English usually keeps them singular:
- There has been staff working late.
- British English sometimes treats collective nouns as plural:
Quick Practice Section
Try these exercises. Fill in the blanks with either has been or have been.
- There ___ a misunderstanding about the deadline.
- There ___ many opportunities to apply for scholarships.
- There ___ progress in reducing carbon emissions.
- There ___ students waiting outside since morning.
- There ___ an accident on the highway.
Answers:
- has been
- have been
- has been
- have been
- has been
Practical Takeaways for Students, Teachers, and Professionals
Why does this matter? Because the wrong choice can weaken your credibility. Imagine sending a resume cover letter with: “There have been a mistake in my application.” It instantly signals a lack of fluency.
For students, correct usage improves essays and academic reports.
For teachers, it helps clarify grammar rules for learners.
For professionals, it polishes workplace communication.
Quick checklist:
- Singular subject → there has been
- Plural subject → there have been
- Uncountable noun → there has been
Conclusion
Mastering the difference between there has been and there have been isn’t just about following grammar rules—it’s about building confidence in real communication. Once you understand the link between the subject and verb, you’ll find it easier to apply in daily conversations, writing, and even professional settings.
With steady practice, whether through examples, a notebook, or noticing patterns in context, you can turn what once felt like a puzzle into a natural habit.
FAQs
Q1: When should I use “there has been”?
Use it with singular nouns, like “There has been a change.”
Q2: When should I use “there have been”?
Use it with plural nouns, like “There have been many changes.”
Q3: Why do people get confused?
The confusion comes from tricky sentences where the subject isn’t clear, leading to improper structure.
Q4: How can I practice effectively?
Keep a notebook, collect examples, and review them regularly. Over time, this habit helps you sharpen and improve your skills.
Q5: Is this important in casual speaking, like chatting over coffee?
Yes! Whether you’re speaking in a classroom, typing an email, or chatting with friends, using the correct form boosts your confidence and ensures clear communication.
