The contraction “there’re” often appears in casual conversation, but does it hold up under scrutiny in formal writing?

This blog post will delve into the grammatical correctness of “there’re,” its usage, and provide practical alternatives. 

“There’re” is a contraction of “there are,” commonly used in informal speech but avoided in formal writing due to potential awkwardness and lack of widespread acceptance.

We’ll explore the intricacies of contractions, grammatical rules, and best practices to ensure your writing is clear and precise.

Understanding Contractions

Definition and Purpose

Contractions are shortened forms of words or phrases created by omitting certain letters and sounds.

They simplify speech and writing by making them more conversational. For instance:

• Don’t instead of do not
• Isn’t instead of is not

Using contractions makes language more fluid and natural, especially in informal contexts.

They help maintain a conversational tone and streamline communication.

Common Examples

Here are a few common contractions you might use:

• You’re (you are)
• We’ve (we have)
• They’ll (they will)

These contractions are widely accepted and recognized as correct in both written and spoken English.

However, less common contractions, like “there’re,” might not be as universally accepted.

The Case for “There’re”

Formation

The contraction “there’re” combines “there” and “are,” resulting in a more streamlined form of “there are.” For example:

• There’re three options available.
• There’re many reasons to consider.

In informal speech, “there’re” can appear as a natural contraction. However, it’s essential to understand its grammatical implications.

Usage

In everyday conversation, you might hear people use “there’re” without a second thought.

It feels natural when spoken quickly, but its written form can raise eyebrows. Here’s how it might sound in casual settings:

• “There’re lots of people at the party.”
• “There’re several ways to solve this problem.”

Examples in Context

Let’s look at some example sentences using “there’re”:

• “There’re three main reasons for this decision.”
• “There’re no easy answers to this question.”

While these sentences are understandable, they may seem awkward or incorrect in formal writing.

Grammatical Analysis

Standard Grammar Rules

Standard grammar typically advises against using contractions like “there’re” in formal contexts. According to traditional rules:

• Subject-verb agreement: “There are” is the correct form because “are” agrees with the plural noun “reasons” or “ways.”
• Contraction clarity: Contractions should enhance readability, not create confusion. “There are” avoids the potential awkwardness of “there’re.”

Linguistic Perspective

Linguists often debate the acceptability of unconventional contractions.

Some argue that “there’re” might become more accepted as language evolves. However, most formal contexts still prefer “there are” to maintain clarity.

Comparative Analysis

Let’s compare “there’re” with other contractions:

• There’s: Combines “there” and “is” (singular). E.g., “There’s a book on the table.”
• There’re: Combines “there” and “are” (plural). E.g., “There’re books on the table.”

While “there’s” is widely accepted, “there’re” is less common and might be viewed as awkward.

Common Usage and Acceptance

Formal vs. Informal

In formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports, using “there are” is preferred. It maintains professionalism and avoids any potential confusion.

In informal settings, like casual conversations or personal blogs, “there’re” might be more acceptable, but it’s still less common.

Language Evolution

Language constantly evolves, and new forms can gain acceptance over time.

While “there’re” might be gaining some traction in spoken English, it has not yet become standard in written form. Language evolution often starts with informal use before gaining formal acceptance.

Style Guides

Major style guides typically favor “there are” over “there’re.” Here’s a summary:

• APA Style: Recommends using “there are” for clarity and formality.
• MLA Style: Prefers “there are” in academic writing to avoid ambiguity.
• Chicago Manual of Style: Advises using “there are” to maintain a professional tone.

Alternatives to “There’re”

Correct Alternatives

When aiming for clarity and formality, consider these alternatives:

• There are: The standard form used in both spoken and written English.
• There exist: An alternative for emphasizing the presence of something. E.g., “There exist many opportunities for growth.”

Usage Recommendations

Use “there are” in formal writing, professional communication, and when clarity is paramount.

For informal contexts, “there are” is still preferable to avoid potential misunderstandings.

Avoiding Confusion

To avoid confusion, stick to well-accepted forms like “there are.” This ensures your writing is clear and professional, especially in academic or business settings.

Conclusion

Understanding the grammatical correctness of “there’re” helps ensure your writing remains clear and professional. While “there’re” might appear naturally in spoken language, it is less accepted in formal writing.

Use “there are” to maintain clarity and adhere to standard grammatical rules.

Summary

• “There’re” is a contraction of “there are” but is less accepted in formal contexts.
• Contractions like “there are” are preferred for clarity and formality.
• Style Guides and linguistic perspectives favor the use of “there are.”