There is a Plethora vs. There are a Plethora – Which is Correct?

The standard expression is “there is a plethora,” because “plethora” is a singular noun meaning an abundance. “There are a plethora” is heard, especially before plural nouns, but many editors consider it informal or discordant. For polished writing, use “there is a plethora of options” or simply “there are options.”

There Is a Plethora or There Are a Plethora: Which Is Correct?

There is a plethora is the traditional and generally preferred construction. The noun plethora is singular, so it takes the singular verb is. For example: “There is a plethora of information online.”

There are a plethora is also widely used, particularly when the phrase is followed by a plural noun, such as “There are a plethora of choices.” Speakers often choose are because they are thinking about the plural noun after of. However, many style guides and editors regard this as informal, awkward, or grammatically mismatched because the grammatical subject is plethora, not choices.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

Use the “replace it” test. Replace plethora with the singular noun abundance: “There is an abundance of choices.” Because plethora works the same way as abundance, the preferred form is “There is a plethora of choices.” If you want to use are, remove plethora and make the plural noun the subject: “There are many choices.”

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
There is a plethora	Existential phrase with a singular noun	There is an abundance or excessive amount	There is a plethora of evidence.
There are a plethora	Common informal variant	A widely used but debated alternative to “there is a plethora”	There are a plethora of solutions.

How to Use There Is a Plethora

There is a plethora is the best choice in formal, academic, business, and edited writing. The phrase means that something exists in great abundance, often suggesting that there may be more than is necessary or desirable. It is normally followed by of and a plural or uncountable noun.

The phrase can sound somewhat formal or elevated. In casual conversation, alternatives such as there are many, there are lots of, or there is a wide range of may sound more natural. Also note that plethora can mean either a large amount or an excessive amount, depending on context.

Example 1: There is a plethora of research supporting the proposed treatment.

Example 2: There is a plethora of software available for editing digital photographs.

Example 3: There is a plethora of reasons to review the contract carefully.

Etymology of the Word Plethora

Plethora comes from the Greek word plēthōra, meaning “fullness” or “abundance.” It entered English through medical Latin, where it originally referred to an excess of bodily fluids or blood. Over time, its meaning broadened to describe an abundance or excessive quantity of almost anything.

How to Use There Are a Plethora

There are a plethora is a common usage variant in American English and other varieties of English. It typically appears before a phrase such as of options, of reasons, or of resources. The plural verb is often selected because the writer or speaker focuses on the plural noun following of.

Despite its widespread use, this construction can attract criticism because plethora is grammatically singular. In careful writing, especially when correctness and editorial style are important, there is a plethora is safer. In informal speech, advertising, and conversational writing, there are a plethora may pass without attracting attention.

Example 1: There are a plethora of online courses covering the subject.

Example 2: There are a plethora of factors that may influence the outcome.

Example 3: There are a plethora of destinations to explore during the summer.

Etymology of the Word Plethora

The word plethora has the same Greek and medical-Latin origin regardless of whether it appears with there is or there are. Its historical sense of “fullness” developed into the modern meaning “a very large amount” or “an excess.” The disagreement concerns subject–verb agreement, not the meaning or origin of the noun.

Related Concepts

Understanding subject–verb agreement and existential constructions makes the difference between these two expressions easier to recognize.

• Subject–verb agreement: A singular subject normally takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb. Because plethora is singular, the formal agreement is “there is a plethora.”
• Existential there: In sentences beginning with there is or there are, there introduces the existence of something but is not the meaningful subject. The noun that follows determines agreement.
• Prepositional phrases: In “a plethora of choices,” the phrase of choices modifies plethora. The plural noun choices does not change the number of the main noun.
• Proximity agreement: Speakers sometimes match the verb with the closest noun, choosing are because choices is plural. This explains the popularity of “there are a plethora,” although it is not the preferred formal agreement.

Examples from Media and Literature

The following examples show how the preferred expression can work in different real-world contexts. They are original examples based on common media, academic, and literary contexts rather than quotations.

• News writing: There is a plethora of opinions surrounding the proposed changes to the education system.
• Academic writing: There is a plethora of evidence suggesting that sleep affects memory and concentration.
• Travel journalism: There is a plethora of historic sites to visit in the old city.
• Business communication: There is a plethora of tools available to help small businesses manage customer relationships.
• Literary description: There is a plethora of color and movement in the crowded marketplace.

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence. In formal writing, prefer there is a plethora; in informal usage, you may encounter there are a plethora.

1. _____ of information available about the subject.
2. _____ of practical reasons to update the policy.
3. _____ many ways to solve the problem.
4. _____ of potential candidates for the position.
5. _____ a wide range of materials in the archive.

Answer Key

1. There is a plethora of information available about the subject.
2. There is a plethora of practical reasons to update the policy.
3. There are many ways to solve the problem.
4. There is a plethora of potential candidates for the position.
5. There is a wide range of materials in the archive.

There Is a Plethora Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
There is an abundance of	There is a large supply or amount of something.
There is an excess of	There is more than is needed or appropriate.
There is a wealth of	There is a plentiful or valuable supply.
There is a profusion of	There is a great quantity or variety.
There is a vast array of	There is a broad and impressive selection.

There Are a Plethora Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
There are many	A simple, neutral way to express a large number.
There are numerous	There are a large number of items or people.
There are countless	There are so many that counting them is difficult or impossible.
There are plenty of	There are enough or more than enough.
There is a wide range of	There is considerable variety among the available choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is “there is a plethora” grammatically correct?
Yes. It is the standard formal construction because plethora is a singular noun. The preferred complete phrase is “There is a plethora of options.”

Question 2: Is “there are a plethora” wrong?
It is a widespread usage variant, not an incomprehensible error. However, many editors consider it less formal because the singular noun plethora is paired with the plural verb are. Use “there is a plethora” in polished writing.

Question 3: Should I say “there is a plethora of choices” or “there are many choices”?
Both are clear and grammatical. “There is a plethora of choices” is more formal and may imply an excessive number, while “there are many choices” is simpler and more natural in everyday communication.

Conclusion

There is a plethora is the safest and most traditionally correct choice because plethora is singular. Although “there are a plethora” is common, it reflects agreement with the plural noun that follows of rather than with plethora itself. Pro Tip: In professional writing, choose “there is a plethora” or replace the phrase with the clearer “there are many.”