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When I use "there are:" (with a colon) to introduce a list starting with a singular item, should I use "there is" or "there are"?

According to grammar rules, I should use "there is" if the following item is singular, but in this case the colon introduces a plural group.

For example:

In my room there [is/are]: a bed, 2 chairs, a table, 2 carpets and a wardrobe.

Dog Lover
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Maria
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1 Answers1

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You could rearrange your list to start with the plural items first and end with the singular items in which case "there are" would be the correct choice:

... there are: 2 chairs, 2 carpets, a bed and a wardrobe

Mo.
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  • I think one could also remove the colon, but if you insist on doing a list, I agree with you. – Archa Jun 22 '15 at 00:24