Is vs. Are: Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement in English

Understanding when to use “is” and “are” is fundamental to constructing grammatically correct sentences in English. Subject-verb agreement, the principle that dictates whether a singular or plural verb form is used, is a cornerstone of effective communication.

Mastering this concept ensures clarity and precision in both writing and speaking. This article provides a comprehensive guide to subject-verb agreement, focusing on the proper usage of “is” and “are,” and is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners seeking a foundational understanding to advanced speakers aiming to refine their grammatical accuracy.

1. Definition of Subject-Verb Agreement
2. Structural Breakdown
3. Types and Categories
4. Examples of Is and Are
5. Usage Rules
6. Common Mistakes
7. Practice Exercises
8. Advanced Topics
9. FAQ
10. Conclusion

1. Definition of Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental grammatical rule that states that the verb in a sentence must agree in number with its subject. In simpler terms, a singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb.

This agreement ensures that sentences are grammatically correct and easy to understand. It is a key aspect of English syntax that affects the clarity and flow of written and spoken communication.

The verb “to be” is one of the most common verbs and its forms, “is” and “are,” are frequently used. “Is” is the singular form of the verb “to be” used with singular subjects (e.g., he, she, it, the cat, my friend). “Are” is the plural form of the verb “to be” used with plural subjects (e.g., we, you, they, the cats, my friends). Mastering the correct usage of “is” and “are” is crucial for accurate and effective communication.

2. Structural Breakdown

Understanding the structure of sentences helps in identifying the subject and determining the correct verb form. The subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action or is being described in the sentence.

Identifying the subject accurately is the first step in ensuring subject-verb agreement. Let’s examine how this works with singular, plural, and compound subjects.

2.1 Singular Subjects

A singular subject refers to one person, place, thing, or idea. Singular subjects always take the singular form of the verb. With the verb “to be,” the singular form is “is“. For example, “The book is on the table.” Here, “book” is a singular subject, and “is” is the corresponding singular verb.

2.2 Plural Subjects

A plural subject refers to more than one person, place, thing, or idea. Plural subjects require the plural form of the verb. With the verb “to be,” the plural form is “are“. For example, “The books are on the table.” Here, “books” is a plural subject, and “are” is the corresponding plural verb.

2.3 Compound Subjects

A compound subject consists of two or more subjects joined by a conjunction, typically “and.” In most cases, a compound subject is considered plural and takes the plural form of the verb (“are”). However, there are exceptions, such as when the subjects refer to a single entity or idea. For example, “John and Mary are going to the party.” In this case, “John and Mary” is a compound subject, and “are” is the appropriate plural verb.

3. Types and Categories

Subject-verb agreement can vary depending on the type of sentence and the nouns or pronouns used. Understanding these variations is crucial for mastering this grammatical concept.

Let’s explore different types of sentences and how subject-verb agreement applies to each.

3.1 Simple Sentences

In simple sentences, subject-verb agreement is straightforward. The subject and verb are easily identifiable, and the verb form must match the subject’s number. For instance, “She is a doctor” (singular) or “They are students” (plural). The key is to correctly identify whether the subject is singular or plural.

3.2 Complex Sentences

Complex sentences contain an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. Subject-verb agreement must be maintained in each clause. This can sometimes be tricky, especially when the subject is far from the verb or hidden within a clause. For example, “The car that is parked outside is mine.” Here, “car” is the main subject, and it is singular, so “is” is correct, even though “that is parked outside” intervenes.

3.3 Sentences with Collective Nouns

Collective nouns refer to a group of individuals but are generally treated as singular units. Examples include team, family, committee, and group. Typically, they take a singular verb (“is”). However, if the sentence emphasizes the individual members of the group, a plural verb (“are”) can be used. For instance, “The team is playing well” (as a unit) versus “The team are arguing about the strategy” (individual members disagreeing).

3.4 Sentences with Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns refer to nonspecific persons or things. Some are always singular (e.g., each, everyone, someone, nobody), while others are always plural (e.g., both, few, several). Still others can be singular or plural depending on the context (e.g., some, any, none, all). “Everyone is ready” (singular) versus “Both are going” (plural). Determining whether an indefinite pronoun is singular or plural is essential for correct subject-verb agreement.

4. Examples of Is and Are

To solidify your understanding, let’s look at various examples illustrating the correct usage of “is” and “are” in different contexts. These examples cover simple sentences, complex sentences, collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, and compound subjects.

4.1 Examples with “Is”

The following table provides examples of sentences using the verb “is” with singular subjects. Each sentence illustrates a different context in which “is” is correctly used.

Sentence	Subject	Explanation
The cat is sleeping on the mat.	The cat	Singular noun.
She is a talented musician.	She	Singular pronoun.
It is raining outside.	It	Singular pronoun referring to the weather.
My brother is a doctor.	My brother	Singular noun phrase.
This book is very interesting.	This book	Singular noun phrase.
The weather today is sunny.	The weather	Singular noun.
His car is parked outside.	His car	Singular noun phrase.
The movie is starting soon.	The movie	Singular noun.
Her job is very demanding.	Her job	Singular noun phrase.
The capital of France is Paris.	The capital	Singular noun phrase.
The reason for his absence is unknown.	The reason	Singular noun.
That building is the tallest in the city.	That building	Singular noun phrase.
My favorite color is blue.	My favorite color	Singular noun phrase.
The food at that restaurant is delicious.	The food	Singular noun.
Her smile is very contagious.	Her smile	Singular noun.
The answer to the question is simple.	The answer	Singular noun.
His attitude is very positive.	His attitude	Singular noun.
The problem is not as difficult as it seems.	The problem	Singular noun.
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the budget.	The purpose	Singular noun.
The solution is to try a different approach.	The solution	Singular noun.
Each student is responsible for their own work.	Each student	Singular indefinite pronoun.
Everyone is invited to the party.	Everyone	Singular indefinite pronoun.
Someone is knocking at the door.	Someone	Singular indefinite pronoun.

4.2 Examples with “Are”

The following table provides examples of sentences using the verb “are” with plural subjects. These examples demonstrate the correct usage of “are” in various contexts.

Sentence	Subject	Explanation
The cats are playing in the garden.	The cats	Plural noun.
They are my best friends.	They	Plural pronoun.
We are going to the beach.	We	Plural pronoun.
My parents are arriving tomorrow.	My parents	Plural noun phrase.
These books are very informative.	These books	Plural noun phrase.
The students are studying for the exam.	The students	Plural noun.
His shoes are on the floor.	His shoes	Plural noun.
The movies are starting soon.	The movies	Plural noun.
Her ideas are very creative.	Her ideas	Plural noun.
The capitals of Europe are diverse.	The capitals	Plural noun.
The reasons for their absence are unclear.	The reasons	Plural noun.
Those buildings are the tallest in the city.	Those buildings	Plural noun phrase.
My favorite colors are blue and green.	My favorite colors	Plural noun phrase.
The dishes at that restaurant are delicious.	The dishes	Plural noun.
Their smiles are very contagious.	Their smiles	Plural noun.
The answers to the questions are simple.	The answers	Plural noun.
Their attitudes are very positive.	Their attitudes	Plural noun.
The problems are not as difficult as they seem.	The problems	Plural noun.
The purposes of these meetings are to discuss the budget.	The purposes	Plural noun.
The solutions are to try different approaches.	The solutions	Plural noun.
Both students are responsible for their own work.	Both students	Plural, explicitly stated.
Few are chosen.	Few	Plural indefinite pronoun.
Several are attending the conference.	Several	Plural indefinite pronoun.

4.3 Collective Noun Examples

The following table provides examples of sentences using collective nouns with “is” and “are,” illustrating how context determines the correct verb form.

Sentence	Subject	Verb	Explanation
The team is playing well tonight.	The team	is	The team is acting as a single unit.
The team are arguing about who should take the penalty kick.	The team	are	The team members are acting individually.
The family is planning a vacation.	The family	is	The family is acting as a single unit.
The family are deciding on their individual destinations.	The family	are	The family members are acting individually.
The committee is meeting next week.	The committee	is	The committee is acting as a single unit.
The committee are disagreeing on the proposed changes.	The committee	are	The committee members are acting individually.
The group is working on a project together.	The group	is	The group is acting as a single unit.
The group are sharing their individual ideas.	The group	are	The group members are acting individually.

4.4 Indefinite Pronoun Examples

The following table provides examples of sentences using indefinite pronouns with “is” and “are”, illustrating how their singular or plural nature determines the correct verb form.

Sentence	Subject	Verb	Explanation
Everyone is invited to the party.	Everyone	is	“Everyone” is singular.
Someone is at the door.	Someone	is	“Someone” is singular.
Nobody is perfect.	Nobody	is	“Nobody” is singular.
Each of the students is responsible.	Each	is	“Each” is singular.
Both are welcome to join us.	Both	are	“Both” is plural.
Few are interested in the topic.	Few	are	“Few” is plural.
Several are going to the concert.	Several	are	“Several” is plural.

4.5 Compound Subject Examples

The following table provides examples of sentences using compound subjects with “is” and “are”, illustrating how the conjunction and the context determine the correct verb form.

Sentence	Subject	Verb	Explanation
John and Mary are going to the store.	John and Mary	are	Two distinct subjects joined by “and.”
The dog and the cat are playing together.	The dog and the cat	are	Two distinct subjects joined by “and.”
Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich.	Peanut butter and jelly	is	Considered a single unit or idea.
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food.	Macaroni and cheese	is	Considered a single unit or idea.

5. Usage Rules

Several rules govern the proper use of “is” and “are.” These rules cover basic subject-verb agreement, collective nouns, indefinite pronouns, compound subjects, and special constructions like “there is/are.” Understanding these rules is essential for avoiding grammatical errors.

5.1 Basic Subject-Verb Agreement

The most fundamental rule is that a singular subject takes the singular verb “is,” and a plural subject takes the plural verb “are.” This rule applies to most simple sentences. For example, “The apple is red” (singular) and “The apples are red” (plural).

5.2 Agreement with Collective Nouns

Collective nouns can be tricky. Generally, if the collective noun is acting as a single unit, use “is.” If the focus is on the individual members of the group, use “are.” The choice depends on the intended meaning of the sentence. Examples: “The band is playing tonight” (unit) vs. “The band are tuning their instruments” (individuals).

5.3 Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns require careful attention. Singular indefinite pronouns (e.g., each, everyone, someone, nobody) always take “is.” Plural indefinite pronouns (e.g., both, few, several) always take “are.” Some indefinite pronouns (e.g., some, any, none, all) can be singular or plural depending on the noun they refer to. For example, “Some of the cake is gone” (singular) vs. “Some of the cookies are gone” (plural).

5.4 Agreement with Compound Subjects

Compound subjects joined by “and” usually take “are.” However, if the subjects refer to a single entity or idea, “is” is used. For example, “John and Mary are friends” (plural) vs. “Peanut butter and jelly is a delicious sandwich” (singular idea).

5.5 Agreement with “There is/are”

In sentences starting with “there,” the subject follows the verb. Therefore, the verb must agree with the noun that follows “is” or “are.” For example, “There is a book on the table” (singular) vs. “There are books on the table” (plural).

5.6 Agreement with Intervening Phrases

Phrases or clauses that come between the subject and the verb do not affect subject-verb agreement. The verb must agree with the actual subject, not with any nouns or pronouns in the intervening phrase. For example, “The box of chocolates is missing.” Here, “box” is the subject, not “chocolates,” so “is” is correct.

6. Common Mistakes

Even experienced English speakers sometimes make mistakes with subject-verb agreement. Recognizing these common errors can help you avoid them in your own writing and speaking.

Let’s explore some frequent mistakes and how to correct them.

6.1 Incorrect Agreement with Collective Nouns

Incorrect: The team are playing well.
Correct: The team is playing well.
Explanation: When the team acts as a single unit, use “is.”

Incorrect: The family is arguing about their vacation plans.
Correct: The family are arguing about their vacation plans.
Explanation: When the family members are acting individually, use “are.”

6.2 Incorrect Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns

Incorrect: Everyone are going to the party.
Correct: Everyone is going to the party.
Explanation: “Everyone” is a singular indefinite pronoun.

Incorrect: Both is coming to the meeting.
Correct: Both are coming to the meeting.
Explanation: “Both” is a plural indefinite pronoun.

6.3 Ignoring Intervening Phrases

Incorrect: The box of chocolates are missing.
Correct: The box of chocolates is missing.
Explanation: The subject is “box,” not “chocolates.”

Incorrect: The list of items are on the table.
Correct: The list of items is on the table.
Explanation: The subject is “list,” not “items.”

6.4 Confusing Compound Subjects

Incorrect: John and Mary is going to the store.
Correct: John and Mary are going to the store.
Explanation: Two distinct subjects joined by “and” usually take “are.”

Incorrect: Macaroni and cheese are my favorite food.
Correct: Macaroni and cheese is my favorite food.
Explanation: “Macaroni and cheese” is considered a single dish or idea.

6.5 Errors with “There is/are” Constructions

Incorrect: There are a book on the table.
Correct: There is a book on the table.
Explanation: The subject is “book,” which is singular.

Incorrect: There is books on the table.
Correct: There are books on the table.
Explanation: The subject is “books,” which is plural.

7. Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of subject-verb agreement with these practice exercises. Each exercise focuses on a different aspect of the rules we’ve covered.

Answers are provided at the end of each exercise.