Quote:
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Originally Posted by tinka2004 what function has "there" in the following sentence:
There has been an accident |
There is ( are/was/were) by itself doesn't really mean much. It's a common expletive (not to be confused with the four letter word
)
It's not very necessary but it has a rhythmic, stylistic or syntatical function.
There in your sentence does not really refer to a place. The real subject in your sentence is the accident. Expletives are a big part of the English language, even though some poeple argue that they are weak and clumsy and should be avoided.
there 
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