When To Use Is And Are

The use of "is" and "are" in sentences is a fundamental aspect of the English language, and understanding the difference between these two verbs is crucial for effective communication. The choice between "is" and "are" depends on the subject-verb agreement, which is determined by the number and type of the subject in the sentence. In this article, we will delve into the rules and exceptions of using "is" and "are" to help you master the art of subject-verb agreement.

Basic Rules of Subject-Verb Agreement

The basic rule of subject-verb agreement is that a singular subject takes a singular verb, while a plural subject takes a plural verb. “Is” is a singular verb, which means it is used with singular subjects, whereas “are” is a plural verb, used with plural subjects. For example, “The book is on the table” (singular subject “book” takes the singular verb “is”), and “The books are on the table” (plural subject “books” takes the plural verb “are”).

Singular and Plural Subjects

To apply the subject-verb agreement rule correctly, it’s essential to identify whether the subject of the sentence is singular or plural. Singular subjects include nouns that refer to one person, place, thing, or idea, such as “cat,” “city,” or “idea.” Plural subjects, on the other hand, refer to more than one person, place, thing, or idea, such as “cats,” “cities,” or “ideas.” Collective nouns, which are nouns that refer to a group of people or things, can be either singular or plural, depending on the context in which they are used. For instance, “The team is winning” (here, “team” is considered a singular unit), but “The teams are competing against each other” (here, “teams” is plural).

Exceptions to the Rule

While the basic rule of subject-verb agreement provides a clear guideline for using “is” and “are,” there are several exceptions to consider. One common exception involves nouns that are plural in form but singular in meaning, such as “news” or “mathematics.” These nouns are considered singular and take the singular verb “is.” For example, “The news is disturbing,” and “Mathematics is my favorite subject.”

Collective Nouns and Verb Agreement

Collective nouns, which refer to groups of people or things, can pose a challenge when it comes to subject-verb agreement. The verb form used with collective nouns depends on whether the noun is considered as a single unit or as individual members. For instance, “The family is going on vacation” (here, “family” is treated as a single unit), but “The family are all going to different places” (in this case, “family” is considered as individual members). It’s worth noting that in British English, collective nouns are more likely to be treated as plural, while in American English, they are often treated as singular.

Practical Applications and Examples

To illustrate the use of “is” and “are” in different contexts, consider the following examples: “The cat is sleeping” (singular subject), “The cats are sleeping” (plural subject), “The news is breaking” (noun that is plural in form but singular in meaning), and “The team are working together” (collective noun treated as plural). These examples demonstrate how the choice between “is” and “are” depends on the subject of the sentence and its grammatical number.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

A common mistake in using “is” and “are” involves incorrect subject-verb agreement. This can occur when the subject of the sentence is a collective noun, a noun that is plural in form but singular in meaning, or when the sentence contains multiple subjects. To avoid such mistakes, it’s essential to carefully identify the subject of the sentence and apply the rules of subject-verb agreement accordingly. Additionally, reading the sentence aloud can help in determining whether the verb form sounds correct.

Meta Description: Learn the difference between “is” and “are” and how to use them correctly in sentences, including rules for singular and plural subjects, collective nouns, and exceptions to the subject-verb agreement rule.