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I learnt that you use the expression "there is/are" when you mention new information.

Example:

  • There is a cat on the wall.

But I sometimes encounter phrases like

  • There's this great bakery that opened up recently.

  • There's this weird smell in the kitchen.

Is there any difference between the two sentences above and the ones below?

  • There's a great bakery that opened up recently.

  • There's a weird smell in the kitchen.

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2 Answers 2

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Emphasis.

There is no real difference in meaning, but using "there is this" usually signifies that "the thing that is" is important to the current situation. E.g. because the speaker wants to have lunch at that specific bakery.

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  • Also note that it is colloquial: it would be unusual in a more formal context.
    – Colin Fine
    Aug 21, 2022 at 10:14
  • Oxford Dictionaries has : INFORMAL - used in speech to draw attention to someone or something. Your first two sentences would be used in casual conversation; the second two are the 'correct' forms.
    – Kate Bunting
    Aug 22, 2022 at 7:27
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I believe this is a case of semantic pleonasm. The use of unnecessary words for effect or emphasis. Your sentences are all OK, with or without "there is this". They essentially have the same meaning.

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