14/12/2014
Navigating the nuances of a new language can be a rewarding yet challenging endeavour. For those transitioning from French to English, certain phrases and grammatical structures can present common stumbling blocks. Two such areas often cause confusion: the translation of the ubiquitous French phrase "il y a" and the correct idiomatic expression for stating one's birth. This article aims to demystify these aspects, providing clear explanations and practical examples to enhance your English fluency.
Understanding 'Il y a' in English: The Power of 'There Is' and 'There Are'
The French phrase "il y a" is incredibly versatile, used to indicate existence or presence. Its direct English equivalent is a combination of the existential 'there' and the verb 'to be'. The key to using it correctly lies in understanding subject-verb agreement. We use 'there is' for singular nouns and uncountable nouns, while 'there are' is reserved for plural nouns.
'There is': Singular and Uncountable
When you want to say that one thing or an amount of something exists, you will use 'there is'. This applies to any noun that is singular in form, as well as nouns that cannot be counted, often referred to as uncountable or mass nouns.
Examples:
- French: Il y a un livre sur la table.
- English:There is a book on the table.
- French: Il y a de l'eau dans la bouteille.
- English:There is some water in the bottle.
- French: Il y a un problème.
- English: There is a problem.
- French: Il y a beaucoup de trafic aujourd'hui.
- English: There is a lot of traffic today.
Notice how 'water' and 'traffic' are treated as singular concepts in English in these contexts, hence the use of 'there is'. Other common uncountable nouns include 'information', 'advice', 'sugar', 'sand', 'money', and 'furniture'.
'There are': Plural Nouns
When referring to two or more things that exist, the phrase 'there are' is employed. This is straightforward: if the noun is plural, use 'there are'.
Examples:
- French: Il y a trois voitures dans le parking.
- English:There are three cars in the car park.
- French: Il y a beaucoup de gens ici.
- English: There are many people here.
- French: Il y a des pommes dans le panier.
- English: There are apples in the basket.
Contractions and Negative Forms
Just as in French, English allows for contractions and negative forms to make communication more fluid. The contraction for 'there is' is 'there's'. This is very common in informal spoken English.
- Informal: There's a cat on the roof.
- Informal: There's no milk left.
To form the negative, we add 'not' after 'is' or 'are'.
- Negative (singular/uncountable): There is not (or there isn't) a chair available.
- Negative (plural): There are not (or there aren't) any tickets remaining.
Questions with 'There is/Are'
To ask a question, we invert the subject and the verb:
- Question (singular/uncountable): Is there a post office nearby?
- Question (plural): Are there any good restaurants in this area?
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
A frequent error is using 'there is' with a plural noun. Always check if the noun following 'is' or 'are' is singular or plural. If the sentence starts with "There is" and is followed by a list of items, the verb should agree with the first item in the list.
Incorrect: There is two dogs and a cat.
Correct: There are two dogs and a cat.
Correct: There is a cat and two dogs.
Expressing Birth: 'He Is Born' vs. 'He Was Born'
Another common point of confusion for learners is the correct way to state when someone was born. The French "Je suis né" translates to "I was born" in English. The key here is understanding the passive voice and the appropriate tense.
The Passive Voice and 'To Be Born'
The phrase "to be born" is always used in the passive voice. This means the subject of the sentence is the recipient of the action (being born), rather than the performer of the action. The structure is always 'to be' + 'born'.
Why 'He Was Born' is Correct
When talking about a specific past event, such as someone's birth, we use the past tense of 'to be'. Therefore, for a third-person singular subject like 'he', 'she', or 'it', the correct form is 'was born'.
- Correct: He was born in London.
- Correct: She was born on a Tuesday.
- Correct: I was born in 1990.
When 'He Is Born' is Incorrect
The construction 'he is born' is grammatically incorrect when referring to the event of someone's birth. 'Is' is the present tense of 'to be'. Using 'he is born' would imply a continuous state of being born, which doesn't make sense. It's akin to saying "He is eaten" instead of "He eats" or "He was eaten". The action of being born is a completed event in the past.
Exceptions and Nuances
While 'was born' is the standard for stating a birth date or place, there are very specific, often literary or metaphorical, contexts where 'is born' might appear. For instance, in a discussion about the concept of being born into a certain situation or destiny, one might say:
Example: A leader is born, not made.
In this idiomatic expression, 'is born' refers to an inherent quality or a continuous truth about leadership. However, for the straightforward statement of when and where someone came into the world, 'was born' is unequivocally the correct choice.
Tabular Comparison: 'There Is/Are' vs. 'To Be Born'
| French Phrase | English Equivalent | Usage Notes | Correct English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Il y a (singular) | There is | For one item or uncountable nouns. | There is a pen. There is coffee. |
| Il y a (plural) | There are | For two or more items. | There are pens. There are many people. |
| Je suis né(e) | I was born | Past passive voice for birth event. | I was born in 1985. |
| Il/Elle est né(e) | He/She was born | Past passive voice for birth event. | He was born in Paris. She was born last year. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use 'there's' in formal writing?
Generally, it's best to avoid contractions like 'there's' in formal academic or business writing. Stick to 'there is' for a more professional tone.
Q2: What if I'm not sure if a noun is countable or uncountable?
Common uncountable nouns include abstract concepts (love, happiness), substances (water, air), and mass nouns (furniture, advice). When in doubt, consult a dictionary, which usually indicates if a noun is countable (c.) or uncountable (u.).
Q3: Is it ever correct to say 'He is born'?
Only in very specific, often figurative or idiomatic, contexts like "A leader is born, not made." For stating the fact of someone's birth, it is always 'was born'.
Q4: How do I say 'Il n'y a pas'?
This translates to 'There isn't' (for singular/uncountable) or 'There aren't' (for plural). For example, 'Il n'y a pas de sucre' becomes 'There isn't any sugar'.
Conclusion
Mastering the correct usage of 'there is/are' and understanding the passive voice construction 'to be born' are fundamental steps towards achieving greater accuracy and confidence in your English. By paying close attention to subject-verb agreement and the specific context of the action, you can effectively convey your meaning and avoid common grammatical errors. Remember that practice is key, so try incorporating these structures into your daily conversations and writing.
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