The difference between is and are lies in subject-verb agreement: use "is" with singular subjects and "are" with plural subjects. This rule ensures grammatical accuracy in English sentences.
Verbs must match their subjects in number. When the subject is singular-referring to one person, place, thing, or idea-the verb "is" is correct. When the subject is plural-referring to more than one-the verb "are" is required. This principle applies across all tenses and contexts, including questions and negatives.
For example: "The book is on the table" uses "is" because "book" is singular. "The books are on the table" uses "are" because "books" is plural. Misusing the verb leads to errors that disrupt clarity and credibility in writing and speech.
Grammatical correctness begins with identifying the subject of a sentence. The subject determines whether "is" or "are" is appropriate. A subject may be a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase.
Common singular subjects include: "he," "she," "it," "the child," "a dog," "my phone." These require "is": "He is late," "It is raining," "The dog is barking."
Common plural subjects include: "they," "we," "you," "the children," "dogs," "my shoes." These require "are": "They are coming," "We are ready," "The dogs are hungry."
Some subjects appear singular but are actually plural, leading to common mistakes. Identifying the true subject avoids errors.
| Subject Type | Example | Correct Verb | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singular noun | The cat sleeps | is | One animal = singular |
| Plural noun | The cats sleep | are | Multiple animals = plural |
| Collective noun (treated as singular) | The team is winning | is | Group acts as one unit |
| Collective noun (treated as plural) | The team are arguing | are | Emphasis on individual members |
| Indefinite pronouns (singular) | Everyone is here | is | Words like everyone, someone, nobody take singular verbs |
| Indefinite pronouns (plural) | Many are leaving | are | Words like many, few, several take plural verbs |
Collective nouns like "family," "team," or "committee" can be treated as singular or plural depending on context. In American English, they are often treated as singular: "The committee is divided." In British English, plural treatment is common: "The committee are divided." Both are acceptable, but consistency within a document is key.
One frequent error occurs with compound subjects joined by "and." For example: "John and Mary is going to the store" is incorrect. The correct form is "John and Mary are going to the store" because "John and Mary" is plural.
Another mistake arises with phrases like "one of the students." The subject is "one," which is singular, so the verb must be "is": "One of the students is late." The following noun ("students") does not determine the verb choice-it's the subject that matters.
A non-obvious correction: "There is" and "There are" follow the same rule. "There is a problem" (singular) vs. "There are problems" (plural). The word "there" is not the subject-it's a placeholder. The actual subject comes after the verb.
Consider this sentence: "The list of requirements is long." The subject is "list," which is singular. Even though "requirements" appears later, the verb must agree with "list." Using "are" here-"The list of requirements are long"-is grammatically incorrect.
Another example: "The group of volunteers is preparing meals." "Group" is singular, so "is" is correct. If the focus shifts to individuals: "The group of volunteers are working independently," then "are" is acceptable, emphasizing separate actions.
I once reviewed a student essay where "The majority of the class is excited" was marked incorrect. The teacher insisted on "are" because "class" referred to multiple people. But "majority" is singular, and "class" functions as a single entity. The correct version remains "The majority of the class is excited."
People confuse subject-verb agreement with tense. "Is" and "are" are present tense forms, but the choice depends on number, not time. "She is running" (present) vs. "They are running" (also present). The tense doesn't change the rule.
Another confusion: using "is" with "I." "I am" is correct, not "I is." "Am" is the correct form for the first-person singular subject "I." This exception exists because "am" is a unique conjugation and not derived from "is."
Some assume that proximity to the verb determines agreement. For example, "The keys to the car is on the table" is wrong. The subject is "keys," which is plural. The correct sentence is "The keys to the car are on the table."
Using "is" and "are" correctly improves clarity and professionalism. Errors in subject-verb agreement weaken credibility in academic, business, and personal writing.
According to the Grammarly Blog, subject-verb agreement is one of the most common grammar issues in English writing. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as a fundamental principle of sentence structure.
When editing, always ask: "Who or what is performing the action?" Then check if the subject is singular or plural. Match the verb accordingly. This simple step eliminates most errors.
Understanding the difference between is and are strengthens written and spoken English. Apply the rule consistently, and your communication becomes clearer and more accurate.