There's referring more items

[retro]

Hi!

Normally, there's refers to one item, though, I've heard something like: There's a lot of cars......

Is it correct?

I'd appreciate native speakers' help!

Thanks!

[MikeNewYork]

Hi!

Normally, there's refers to one item, though, I've heard something like: There's a lot of cars......

Is it correct?

I'd appreciate native speakers' help!

Thanks!

It's not correct, but it is also not uncommon.

[wsemajb]

It is ok if it links to the singular noun "lot".

"There's a lot/bunch/gathering of students in the cafeteria." ..is correct.

"There are a lot/bunch/gathering of students in the cafeteria." ..is not correct.

You could say.. "There are many students in the cafeteria."

Or simply.. "There are students in the cafeteria."

Or even.. "There are lots/bunches/gatherings of students in the cafeteria."

[MikeNewYork]

It is ok if it links to the singular noun "lot".

"There's a lot/bunch/gathering of students in the cafeteria." ..is correct.

"There are a lot/bunch/gathering of students in the cafeteria." ..is not correct.

You could say.. "There are many students in the cafeteria."

Or simply.. "There are students in the cafeteria."

Or even.. "There are lots/bunches/gatherings of students in the cafeteria."

I disagree with your use of "lot of". That is an adjectival idiom meaning "many". As such, the phrase remains plural. We do not say:

A lot of cars was in the parking lot.

We say:

A lot of cars were in the parking lot.

[retro]

I disagree with your use of "lot of". That is an adjectival idiom meaning "many". As such, the phrase remains plural. We do not say:

A lot of cars was in the parking lot.

We say:

A lot of cars were in the parking lot.

Well, this suggests to me that only "there are" can be used with "a lot of" and "lots of", since they should be followed by a plural noun. (there are a lot of/lots of protests in the streets).

Am I right, Mike?

[MikeNewYork]

Well, this suggests to me that only "there are" can be used with "a lot of" and "lots of", since they should be followed by a plural noun. (there are a lot of/lots of protests in the streets).

Am I right, Mike?

That's the way I use them.

[retro]

That's the way I use them.

I see.

There remains one more question. Can uncountable nouns like information, time, money etc. used with "a lot of" and "lots of"? Is it correct to say:
You can gain a lot of/lots of information via the Internet.
The team has spent a lot of/lots of money on new players?

[MikeNewYork]

I see.

There remains one more question. Can uncountable nouns like information, time, money etc. used with "a lot of" and "lots of"? Is it correct to say:
You can gain a lot of/lots of information via the Internet.
The team has spent a lot of/lots of money on new players?

Good question, yes.

When it is used with a non-count noun, a singular verb is required.

A lot of money was spent.
There is a lot of information on the Internet.