a, there is a

[Eric0936]

___ direct link exists between acidic soil and tooth decay, according to public health officials.

A. There is a
B. A

Answer: B

I don't understand the difference between option A and B, textbook says direct link needs the indefinite article a, so I wonder when I should put a or there is a in the right position.

Thanks in advance.

[Morteza]

Hi,
I hope you will find out the difference by reading these examples.
It is a pen.
There is a pen on the desk.(=A pen exists on the desk.)
So, B is correct.
Regards,
Morteza

[Eric0936]

Hi Morteza,

I hope you mean a is talking about a truth or a statement, and there is a can't be right in this sentence, because "according to public health officials" is a hint or evidence which echos or emphasizes a truth.

Is it right?

And one more question, can The be used in this sentence either?

[Mordant]

Eric, it would have to read this way:

There is a direct link between acidic soil and tooth decay, according to public health officials.

Once you say "there is," you are already saying it exists, so using the verb is redundant. Plus, you will never use a complement as the subject of a main verb.

*I am the man went to the store.
*There is a problem causes us grief.
*He is the person bought me the gift.
*This a blue scarf hangs down from my neck.

Since you have the main verb "exists" in that sentence, the only sensible option is B.

You could say "There is a direct link existing between acidic soil and tooth decay, according to public officials." That, too, would be redundant, but it would be structurally sound.

[Eric0936]

Wow, it's brilliant.

I agree with you on this redundant something, and I have learned one more thing.

Thanks a lot.