there be句式用于被动式

■有通常情况下，there be句式中的 be表示“存在”。如：

There are numerous islands off the coast. 海岸边有许多岛屿。

There was a bed and a big wardrobe. 有一张床和一个大衣橱。

There was a rainbow in the sky. 天上有一道彩虹。

If there is any problem, let me know. 如果有什么问题可以通知我。

There is only one person I could approach. 只有一个人我可以去找。

There are in China over fifty minorities besides the Han nationality. 在中国除了汉族还有五十多个少数民族。

There is a lack of communication between the young and the old. 年轻人和老人之间沟通不足。

■但是，有时there be结构还可用被动式，这时be即变成了助动词，如：

There are now published thousands and millions of books every year. 现在每年出版上亿册书。

On the following day, there was held a splendid banquet. 第二天举行了盛大的宴会。