Concord: there's/there are + plural noun

Natives, going from intuition, which form would you say is more common in both the formal and informal register?

There's hardly any apples in the fridge.
There are hardly any apples in the fridge.

In informal speech, I use both forms interchangeably. In formal speaking or writing, though, I think "there are" would be predominant.

*In formal speaking or writing, though, I think "there are" would be predominant. *

Not true. It's the opposite.

I'm with Lazar... but perhaps we're both wrong.

Both are fine.

The first would come naturally in extemporaneous speech.

The second is likely to occur in a situation (as Lazar pointed out) where speech or writing is more deliberate.

However, this is fundamentally a complete non-issue - as is so much that pedants fuss over.

Next question, please.

<<However, this is fundamentally a complete non-issue - as is so much that pedants fuss over. >>

Is it a non-issue in state education exams?

"Is it a non-issue in state education exams?"

It certainly is for me. I don't have to write them!

Ha ha!