Representing being and having

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Using there be with that-clauses

A small group of nouns followed by a that-clause regularly combine with there + be to indicate the likelihood of something happening. The most common of these is doubt:

There is no doubt that exercise contributes to cardiovascular fitness; that is, your heart copes more effectively and efficiently with the everyday demands placed on it. (Bank of English)

Sometimes that is omitted:

There is little doubt treatment will bring benefits in the short term.
(Bank of English)

The following nouns are most commonly used in this way:

doubt evidence guarantee
indication question sign
suggestion way

For further information about this, see 04conten.gif (549 bytes) Indicating likelihood: Using nouns to indicate likelihood.

04conten.gif (549 bytes) Introduction
04conten.gif (549 bytes) Using there be to represent existence
04conten.gif (549 bytes) Using there be to represent location
04conten.gif (549 bytes) Using there be with relative clauses
04conten.gif (549 bytes) Using there be with infinitive clauses
square.gif (58 bytes) Using there be with that-clauses
04conten.gif (549 bytes) Using there exist
04conten.gif (549 bytes) Using there appear/seem