there is/there are

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Dear all,

  1. There is a pen on the desk.
  2. There are three books on the desk.
  3. There is a pen, and three books on the desk.

I clearly understand (1) and (2), but (3) makes me confused. Is the last correct? Could you please explain more about the third case.

Thanks for your help
Co May

2

The last is fine if you omit the comma. So is ‘There are 3 books and a pen on the desk.’ Verb choice depends much on proximal concord (the nearer noun draws the verb number).

3

Dear Mister Micawber,

Thank you for your clear explanation about “subject & verb agreement”.

Have a nice weekend
Co May