English learners often stumble over the difference between “is” and “are.” Despite being basic verbs,
their misuse can make writing and speech seem awkward or unprofessional.
Whether you’re drafting emails, essays, or casual conversations, mastering is vs. are is essential.
This guide will help you understand the rules, exceptions, and real-life applications of these verbs.
Understanding the Verb “To Be”
The verbs “is” and “are” are forms of the verb “to be.” They act as the backbone of English sentences, connecting subjects with descriptions, states, or conditions. The main forms include:
- Singular: I am, he/she/it is
- Plural: we/you/they are
For example:
- “She is a doctor.”
- “They are students.”
Key Point: Choosing between “is” and “are” depends entirely on subject-verb agreement, which we will explore in depth.
Subject-Verb Agreement: The Core Rule
Subject-verb agreement simply means that your verb must match the subject in number and person.
- Singular subjects take singular verbs.
- Plural subjects take plural verbs.
For instance:
- Correct: “The cat is sleeping.”
- Correct: “The cats are sleeping.”
- Incorrect: “The cat are sleeping.”
A visual aid can make it clearer:
| Subject Type | Verb Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Singular noun | is | The book is interesting. |
| Plural noun | are | The books are interesting. |
| Pronoun “I” | am | I am ready. |
| Pronoun “You” | are | You are kind. |
| Third-person singular | is | He is tall. |
| Third-person plural | are | They are tall. |
This table is a handy reference for beginners and advanced learners alike.
When to Use “Is”
General Rule
Use “is” with singular nouns and third-person singular pronouns (he, she, it).
Examples:
- “The sky is blue.”
- “She is excited about the trip.”
Special Cases with “Is”
- Uncountable Nouns
Words like water, sugar, information are singular:- “Water is essential for life.”
- Abstract Ideas
Concepts such as love, happiness, or freedom use “is”:- “Freedom is priceless.”
- Titles, Time, and Money
Titles of books, movies, or amounts of money/time are singular:- “Harry Potter is my favorite book.”
- “Ten dollars is not enough.”
- “Seven o’clock is early for a meeting.”
- Collective Units Viewed as One
A group acting as a single entity:- “The team is winning the championship.”
When to Use “Are”
General Rule
Use “are” with plural nouns and pronouns (we, they).
Examples:
- “The students are studying.”
- “They are happy.”
Special Cases with “Are”
- Compound Subjects
Multiple subjects joined by “and”:- “Jack and Jill are going up the hill.”
- Pronoun “You”
Regardless of singular or plural, “you” always takes are:- “You are responsible for this task.”
- Plural Indefinite Pronouns
Pronouns like many, few, several, both take are:- “Few are interested in the topic.”
Collective Nouns: The Gray Area
Collective nouns refer to groups but can take is or are depending on context.
- Singular meaning (group as one unit): “The jury is unanimous.”
- Plural meaning (members acting individually): “The jury are arguing among themselves.”
Tip: Ask yourself, is the subject acting together or individually? That will guide the correct verb.
Quick Comparison Table
| Subject Type | Correct Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Singular noun | is | The cat is sleeping. |
| Plural noun | are | The cats are sleeping. |
| Collective noun (single) | is | The team is winning. |
| Collective noun (plural) | are | The team are arguing. |
| Uncountable noun | is | Water is necessary. |
| Compound subject | are | Tom and Jerry are friends. |
| Pronoun “you” | are | You are responsible. |
This quick table is perfect for fast reference and exam prep.
“Is” and “Are” in Questions and Negative Statements
In Questions
Invert the subject and verb for questions:
- “Is she coming to the party?”
- “Are they ready for the test?”
In Negative Statements
Add not after the verb:
- “She is not available.” (or “isn’t”)
- “They are not going.” (or “aren’t”)
Negatives and questions often confuse learners, but the structure remains consistent once you match the verb to the subject.
Real-Life Confusions and Common Mistakes
Even advanced learners trip over subtle cases:
- Words Between Subject and Verb
Ignore phrases like “of the flowers” in:- Correct: “The bouquet of flowers is beautiful.”
- There Is vs. There Are
- Singular: “There is a problem.”
- Plural: “There are several issues.”
- Subjects Joined by Or/Nor
Verb agrees with the nearest subject:- “Neither the teacher nor the students are late.”
- “Neither the students nor the teacher is late.”
- Inverted Word Order
- “On the table are the keys.” (plural subject after verb)
- Indefinite Pronouns
- Singular: “Everyone is invited.”
- Plural: “Many are coming to the event.”
Grammar in Action: Real Examples and Case Studies
Business Communication
Correct usage of “is” and “are” improves clarity in emails and reports:
- “The sales team is exceeding expectations.”
- “The clients are requesting updates.”
Academic Writing
Essays and research papers require precise subject-verb agreement:
- “The evidence is compelling.”
- “The experiments are inconclusive.”
Everyday Conversations
Casual speech often relaxes rules, but proper usage sounds more fluent:
- “The kids are playing outside.”
- “Your favorite movie is on TV tonight.”
Style and Tone in American English
American English favors clear, conversational writing. Use contractions where natural:
- “She isn’t coming.”
- “They aren’t ready yet.”
Avoid overcomplicating sentences. Short, active sentences increase readability, especially when teaching rules like is vs. are.
Quick Fix Table: Common Errors
| Error | Correction |
|---|---|
| There is many reasons | There are many reasons |
| The group are happy | The group is happy (formal) |
| He don’t like it | He doesn’t like it |
| Everyone are invited | Everyone is invited |
| Neither of them are right | Neither of them is right |
Quick Reference: “Is” vs. “Are” at a Glance
- Is: singular subjects, uncountable nouns, collective units acting as one.
- Are: plural subjects, “you,” compound subjects, plural indefinite pronouns.
- Use tables and cheat sheets for instant reference.
- Consider context with collective nouns to decide between is or are.
FAQs
What is the main difference between “is” and “are”?
Answer: “Is” is singular; “are” is plural. Always match the verb to the subject.
Can “you” take “is”?
Answer: No, “you” always takes are, even when singular.
When do collective nouns take “are” instead of “is”?
Answer: When the group members act individually, e.g., “The team are arguing.”
Is “There is” or “There are” correct for multiple items?
Answer: Use There are for plural subjects and There is for singular.
Are compound subjects always plural?
Answer: Yes, subjects joined by “and” usually take are, unless considered a single unit.
Conclusion
Mastering is vs. are is essential for fluent English.
Understanding rules, special cases, and exceptions ensures clarity in writing and speech.
Always check whether the subject is singular or plural, and remember tricky cases like collective nouns and indefinite pronouns.
Practice, read widely, and use this guide as a reliable reference to make your sentences accurate and confident.
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.