EXISTENCE

and

QUALITY

THERE IS + noun (or substitute) - If the subject of the verb to be a noun represents an indefinite (group of) person(s) or thing(s),we usually introduce it with there, placed before the verb (but the verb agrees in number with the real subject); - This construction is used only when the verb to be means to exist (therefore it cannot be used in general statements as Computer are useful or Mosquitoes are a nuisance, which are qualifications) ; - there may also be used,though less frequently,with several other verbs: to appear,to arise,to remain. e.g.: There was no shortage of water but there were other shortcomings. There is a picture on at the Scala which is really worth seeing. There are hard times ahead of us. There will be many who will object to it surprising; There should be one we can afford buying. If there was a cataclysm there wouldnt be much left of our flourishing civilisation.

IT IS + adjective (or adverb) - If the subject of the verb to be is an infinitive a phrase or a clause,we usually use it is to introduce it, and an adjective to qualify it ; - as this construction is used in order to give some information about the subject,not to denote existence; e.g.: It is advisable to ask when you dont know. It is not known who was responsible for the damage. Wouldnt it be easier this way? Its was not clear why (he chose to do so). It was not polite to insist so much. Its incredible how she could persuade you. It will be tiring to do such routine work only. It is certain that this time they will succeed. It is obvious that they have been wrong. - the idiomatic phrases its a pity, its a shame, its a wonder convey the same idea of quality, i.e.: its regrettable, its shameful, its incredible/surprising;

COMPARE Perhaps there are wonders,but I do not believe in them.(= wonders may exist) There will arise some doubts concerning the validy of their conclusion. There remained posibilities yet unexplored. Theres nothing unusual in their wishing to have a better life. . If, in order to avoid repetition, we replace the subject previonsly mentioned by it, the quality may be expressed by either it is + adjective or it is + noun . Its a wonder that she managed not to spill it. (= its surprising) Its doubtful thatthey could obtain these result in only two months. Its possible to make further investigations. Its most unusual not to consider the consequences before making a decision

There must be some truth in what she says. There always appear unexpected difficulties. There shouldnt be any difference between them.

It must be true. It appears to be difficult,indeed. It should be different from the other.

WEATHER , DISTANCE , WEIGHT & TIME it is and / or there is

The impersonal expressions of Weather, Distance, Weight & Time are introduced with it is. In some case there is /are may also be used, but it does not convey the same idea : WEATHER : Its fine today, isnt it? Yes, its neither cold nor wet. I hope its not raining. It was rainy last summer. Last night it was windy in the south. In their country it is frosty in winter. Its rather foggy. I hear there were heavy rains in the highlands. There was a strong wind all along the coast. Sometimes there are hard frost here,too. They say there will be fog tomorrow, too.

noise/ noisy have nothing to do with the weather, but the way we use them is similar, Its too noisy here, lets go upstairs. Theres much noise in here.

This rules does not keep in the case of : Its rather stuffy. =/= Theres much stuff.

DISTANCE : Is it so near that we can walk? No, its even farther than you imagine.

How far is it? Its a two milesdrive. Its a short way from my house to the University. Its a long way from here to the station. WEIGHT : How heavy is it? Its a ten tonsweight, too heavy for this lorry. Its not more than five kgs, I can lift it myself. TIME : What time is it ? It isnt late, its a quarter to nine. Its (a) long (time) since we havent played tennis together. Its time to / for = the proper time has come to/for Dont you think its time for coffee ? Its time to go to bed. - this construction is used for statements concerning all the / some of the persons involved, - when the statement concerns someone in particular, the predicate of the 2nd subject is a Subjonctive: Its time she took up English. Its time you finished it; youve been reading it for ages.

A (nother) way exists Theres another six milesdrive to the west. Theres shorter way too, but Im afraid I dont know it. Theres a longer way less uninteresting, its true but now we are in a hurry. What is there? Theres a ten tons weight in the cargo - hold. There are five kgs more to be brought in.

Theres time to/for = we have enough time (to/for) ; enough time exists. There will be time for coffee, as Ive already made it. There is time to finish it befor you go to bed. - in this construction it becomes clear who has time, from the context.