Is vs Are: A Simple Guide

The distinction between “is” and “are” is a fundamental aspect of English grammar, yet it often trips up writers and speakers alike. This seemingly simple choice can have a significant impact on the clarity and accuracy of your communication. So, let’s delve into this topic and demystify the usage of these two little words.

Subject-Verb Agreement: The Key Principle

Subject-verb agreement is the cornerstone of proper grammar usage. It dictates that the verb should agree with the subject in terms of whether it is singular or plural. In simpler terms, if your subject is singular, you use “is,” and if it’s plural, you use “are.”

For example:

• The cat is chasing the mouse. (Here, “cat” is singular, so we use “is.”)
• The cats are chasing the mice. (In this case, “cats” is plural, so we use “are.”)

However, it’s not always as straightforward as it seems. Let’s explore some common scenarios and provide clarity on when to use “is” and when to use “are.”

When to Use “Is”

• With Singular Nouns: Use “is” when the subject of the sentence is a singular noun. For instance: “The book is on the table.”
• With Indefinite Pronouns: Indefinite pronouns like “each,” “every,” “either,” and “neither” are singular and require “is.” Example: “Each student is responsible for their own learning.”
• With Singular Subjects in a Series: When you have a series of subjects joined by “and,” the verb agrees with the first subject. For example: “My dog and my cat are both sleeping, but my bird is awake.”
• With Singular Collective Nouns: Collective nouns like “team,” “family,” or “government” can be singular when they refer to the group as a whole. For instance: “The team is preparing for the championship game.”

When to Use “Are”

• With Plural Nouns: Use “are” when the subject of the sentence is a plural noun. For example: “The books are on the shelf.”
• With Plural Indefinite Pronouns: Indefinite pronouns like “both,” “several,” and “many” are plural and require “are.” Example: “Several people are attending the conference.”
• With Multiple Subjects: When you have multiple subjects joined by “and,” the verb agrees with the plural subject. For instance: “My friends and I are going to the concert.”
• With Singular Collective Nouns (in some cases): Collective nouns can be plural when they refer to individual members of the group. For example: “The family are all arriving at different times.”

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

One common mistake is using “are” with singular subjects, especially in informal speech or writing. For instance, saying “The book are on the table” is incorrect. Another pitfall is confusing singular collective nouns; for example, saying “The team are preparing for the game” when referring to the group as a whole.

Expert Tip: Practice Makes Perfect

Mastering subject-verb agreement takes practice. A simple exercise is to rewrite sentences, switching between singular and plural subjects, and ensuring the verb agrees. This helps reinforce the concept and improve your grammar instincts.

Conclusion

The choice between “is” and “are” may seem trivial, but it’s a crucial aspect of clear and effective communication. By understanding the principles of subject-verb agreement and practicing their application, you can ensure your writing and speech are grammatically correct and easy to understand.