English can be tricky, especially when it comes to choosing the right verb.
Many people struggle with “is” vs. “are”, often making mistakes without realizing it.
Getting this right is essential because it affects clarity and professionalism in writing.
Whether you’re crafting emails, writing essays, or chatting casually, understanding how to use “is” and “are” correctly can make your sentences accurate and polished.
This guide will walk you through every rule, exception, and real-world example so you can confidently select the correct form every time.
The Core Rule of “Is” and “Are”
The verbs “is” and “are” are forms of the verb “to be”, which connects the subject of a sentence to a description, action, or state of being.
- “Is” → used with singular subjects.
- “Are” → used with plural subjects.
Tip: Always identify the subject first before choosing the verb. This small step prevents most mistakes.
Example:
- The cat is sleeping. (singular)
- The cats are sleeping. (plural)
Using “Is” Correctly
Singular Nouns and Pronouns
“Is” is used when the subject is singular, including singular nouns and pronouns like he, she, it, or a single name.
Examples:
- She is reading a book.
- John is working late tonight.
- The dog is barking loudly.
Common Mistakes:
- ❌ He are happy.
- ✅ He is happy.
Abstract and Uncountable Nouns
Uncountable nouns and abstract ideas are also treated as singular, so they pair with “is.”
Examples:
- Happiness is essential for a healthy life.
- Water is necessary for survival.
- Knowledge is power.
Singular Collective Nouns
Collective nouns represent a group as a single unit. In American English, most of these are singular and use “is.”
Examples:
- The team is winning the match.
- The jury is deliberating on the case.
Note: In British English, collective nouns can be plural if emphasizing individual members.
Real-life Examples of “Is”
- The cake is ready to serve.
- My favorite book is on the shelf.
- Each member of the committee is responsible for the report.
Using “Are” Correctly
Plural Nouns and Pronouns
Use “are” for plural nouns and pronouns such as we, they, or multiple names.
Examples:
- They are planning a trip.
- The students are in the classroom.
- Dogs are loyal animals.
Common Mistakes:
- ❌ The girls is singing.
- ✅ The girls are singing.
Plural Collective Nouns
Sometimes, a group is seen as individuals rather than a single entity. Here, use “are.”
Examples:
- The staff are arguing about the schedule.
- The team are wearing different uniforms.
Tip: Context determines whether a collective noun is singular or plural.
Compound Subjects
When two or more nouns are joined by and, the subject becomes plural, requiring “are.”
Examples:
- Tom and Jerry are friends.
- Bread and butter are on the table.
- My parents and I are attending the event.
Real-life Examples of “Are”
- The children are playing outside.
- The apples and oranges are fresh.
- My colleagues are preparing the presentation.
Special Cases and Exceptions
Collective Nouns: “Is” vs. “Are”
| Collective Noun | Usage with “Is” | Usage with “Are” | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Team | As a single unit | As individuals | The team is winning / The team are arguing |
| Jury | Focus on decision | Focus on members | The jury is deliberating / The jury are divided |
Indefinite Pronouns
Some pronouns can be tricky.
Singular: everyone, someone, anybody → is
Plural: few, many, several → are
Examples:
- Everyone is invited to the party.
- Few are willing to take the risk.
Titles, Names, and Organizations
Singular names of organizations, newspapers, and bands usually take “is.”
Examples:
- The New York Times is reporting a new policy.
- Coldplay is performing tonight.
Plural context: When the members of the organization are emphasized:
- Coldplay are signing autographs for fans.
Fractions, Percentages, and Quantities
Fractions and percentages depend on the noun that follows.
Examples:
- Half of the cake is eaten.
- 50% of the students are late.
“There Is” vs. “There Are”
“There is” → singular subjects
“There are” → plural subjects
Examples:
- There is a book on the table.
- There are many books on the shelf.
Advanced and Tricky Usage
“A Number of” vs. “The Number of”
- A number of → plural → are
- The number of → singular → is
Examples:
- A number of students are absent today.
- The number of students is increasing.
“None Is” vs. “None Are”
- None can be singular or plural depending on the context.
- ❌ None is missing (if plural subject implied)
- ✅ None are ready (plural sense)
- ✅ None is to blame (singular sense)
Measurements and Amounts
- Treat amounts of money, time, or distance as singular or plural based on whether they are considered a unit.
Examples:
- Five dollars is enough for lunch.
- Two hours are wasted in traffic.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing singular and plural subjects: “The team are winning” (American English prefers is).
- Using is with plural pronouns: “They is happy” → correct: “They are happy.”
- Confusing a number of vs. the number of.
- Misusing there is/are with plural nouns.
- Forgetting collective noun context.
Quick Reference Guide
| Subject Type | Verb Choice | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Singular Noun | is | The dog is barking |
| Plural Noun | are | The dogs are barking |
| Collective (singular) | is | The team is winning |
| Collective (plural) | are | The staff are arguing |
| Indefinite Pronoun | varies | Everyone is ready / Few are absent |
| Quantities | varies | Five dollars is enough / Five apples are on the table |
Practice and Application
Fill in the blanks:
- The children ___ playing in the garden.
- Everyone ___ invited to the meeting.
- Half of the pizza ___ eaten.
- The team ___ ready for the game.
- There ___ a lot of opportunities here.
Answers:
- are
- is
- is
- is
- are
Tip: Always identify the subject first, then decide singular or plural.
FAQs
What is the main difference between “is” and “are”?
Answer: “Is” is used with singular subjects, while “are” is used with plural subjects.
Can collective nouns take both “is” and “are”?
Answer: Yes. Use “is” when the group acts as one unit, “are” when emphasizing individuals.
How do fractions affect verb choice?
Answer: Use singular if the fraction represents a whole, plural if it refers to multiple items.
Are indefinite pronouns always singular?
Answer: Not always. Pronouns like everyone and someone are singular, but few, many, and several are plural.
When should I use “there is” vs. “there are”?
Answer: “There is” for singular subjects, “there are” for plural subjects.
Conclusion
Mastering how to use “is” and “are” correctly is simpler when you focus on the subject first.
Singular nouns, abstract ideas, and collective units usually take is, while plural nouns, compound subjects, and some collective contexts take are.
By following these rules and practicing with real examples, you can eliminate common mistakes and write with clarity and confidence.
I’m Alex Henry — a passionate English enthusiast who loves exploring words, grammar, and the art of expression. I share creative tips to help you fall in love with the English language every day.