Is vs. Are: How to Use Them Correctly (With Clear Rules and Real Examples)

Understanding English grammar can be tricky, especially when it comes to using verbs correctly. Two of the most common verbs that often confuse learners are “is” and “are.” These are forms of the verb “to be” and are essential in forming sentences that are grammatically correct. Using them properly can make your writing and speaking clear, professional, and easy to understand.

The choice between “is” and “are” depends on the subject of the sentence. “Is” is used with singular nouns and he, she, it, while “are” is used with plural nouns and you, we, they. Misusing these verbs can lead to confusion and make your communication seem awkward or incorrect.

In this guide, we will break down the rules for using “is” and “are”, provide simple examples, and explain common mistakes to avoid. Whether you are a student, professional, or someone learning English as a second language, mastering these verbs will improve your sentence structure, enhance your fluency, and make your conversations more effective. By the end, you will confidently know how to use “is” and “are” correctly in any situation.

The Core Rule: Subject–Verb Agreement Explained Simply

The simplest way to decide between “is” vs. “are” is to identify the subject of the sentence.

• “Is” always pairs with singular subjects.
• “Are” always pairs with plural subjects.

The verb must agree with the meaning of the subject, not nearby words. For example:

• Correct: The basket of apples is on the table.
• Incorrect: The basket of apples are on the table.

Even though apples is plural, the real subject is basket, which is singular.

Quick Tip: Always ask yourself, “Who or what is performing the action?” That’s your subject.

Using “Is” with Singular Subjects

Singular subjects always take “is”. This applies to singular nouns, pronouns, and uncountable nouns.

Singular Nouns That Take “Is”

Subject Type	Example Sentence
Concrete noun	The cat is sleeping on the sofa.
Abstract noun	Happiness is the key to a fulfilling life.
Proper noun	Michael Jordan is one of the greatest athletes.

Notice how even if the sentence contains multiple descriptive words, the verb matches the singular subject.

Examples That Prove the Rule

• The car is parked outside.
• The idea is brilliant.
• The list of items is long.

Common mistakes happen when writers are distracted by plural-sounding objects:

• The bag of coins are heavy.
• The bag of coins is heavy.

Using “Are” with Plural Subjects

When your subject is plural, you use “are”. This covers plural nouns, multiple pronouns, and compound subjects.

Plural Nouns and Compound Subjects

• Joined by “and”: Tom and Jerry are best friends.
• Lists of items: The books, pens, and notebooks are on the desk.
• Paired subjects acting independently: The dogs and the cats are hungry.

Examples of Correct Usage

• The children are playing in the park.
• Many countries are participating in the conference.
• My parents are visiting next week.

Tip: Don’t be fooled by phrases like “along with” or “together with.” These don’t make a singular subject plural:

• The teacher, along with her students, is attending the meeting.
  

Collective Nouns: When “Is” and “Are” Both Can Be Correct

Collective nouns like team, family, group, or jury can take either “is” or “are” depending on context.

When a Collective Noun Takes “Is”

Use “is” when the group is acting as one single unit.

• The team is winning the championship. (Team acting as a whole)
• The jury is in agreement.

When a Collective Noun Takes “Are”

Use “are” when individuals act separately, or their actions differ.

• The team are arguing among themselves.(Focus on individuals)
• The jury are casting their votes separately.

Quick Tip: American English prefers singular verbs for collective nouns, while British English often allows plural verbs.

Mass (Uncountable) Nouns and Their Verb Choice

Mass nouns, or uncountable nouns, always take “is”, even if they sound plural. Examples include water, sugar, information, furniture.

Mass Noun	Correct Sentence
Water	The water is cold.
Furniture	The furniture is new.
Information	The information is accurate.

A common mistake: The furniture are too heavy. Always match the verb with the mass noun, not the objects it contains.

“There Is” vs. “There Are”: How to Choose Instantly

When starting sentences with “there”, the verb depends on the subject that follows.

• Singular: There is a book on the table.
• Plural: There are books on the table.

Rule: Identify the true subject after “there” and match the verb accordingly.

What to Do With Mixed or Long Lists

If the first noun is singular but the list includes plural items:

• There is a pen, a notebook, and several markers on the desk.

Alternative for smoother style:

• On the desk, there are a pen, a notebook, and several markers.

Tricky Quantifier Phrases That Change Everything

Some quantifiers confuse writers because they look plural but aren’t.

“A Number of” vs. “The Number of”

Phrase	Correct Verb	Example
A number of	are	A number of students are absent today.
The number of	is	The number of students is increasing every year.

Other quantifiers:

• A lot of → plural or singular depending on noun (A lot of people are happy.)
• Some of → depends on the noun (Some of the cake is gone; Some of the cookies are gone.)
• Plenty of → depends on noun (Plenty of water is available; Plenty of chairs are in the room.)

Fractions, Percentages, and Measurements

Fractions and percentages are tricky because the verb agrees with the noun, not the number:

• Half of the pie is gone. (Pie is singular)
• Half of the pies are gone.(Pies is plural)
• 10 percent of the population is vaccinated.(Population is singular)
• 10 percent of the students are absent. (Students is plural)

Rule: Focus on the subject, not the numeric value.

Titles, Names, and Subjects That Look Plural

Some subjects look plural but are singular and always take “is”:

• Book titles: The Chronicles of Narnia is a classic series.
• Movie names: Avengers: Endgame is a blockbuster.
• Academic subjects: Mathematics is challenging for many students.
• News or media: The news is on at 6 PM.

Common “Is vs. Are” Mistakes Even Native Speakers Make

Even fluent speakers trip over intervening phrases, prepositional phrases, or tricky constructions:

• The bouquet of roses are beautiful. → Correct: is
• There’s many options to choose from. → Correct: There are many options to choose from.
• None of the students is late. → Acceptable: both is and are depending on meaning

Tip: Ignore words between the subject and verb; focus on the core subject.

Quick Editing Checklist to Avoid Errors

To check your work quickly:

1. Identify the true subject.
2. Determine if it’s singular, plural, or collective.
3. Match is or are accordingly.
4. For collective nouns, ask: Are individuals acting separately or as a unit?
5. For “there is/there are” sentences, locate the subject immediately after “there.”

Pro Tip: Reading aloud helps detect mismatches instantly.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of “is” and “are” is a crucial step in improving your English grammar. These verbs may seem simple, but using them correctly ensures your sentences are clear, professional, and easy to understand. Remember, “is” pairs with singular subjects like he, she, it, while “are” is used with plural subjects such as we, you, they. Regular practice with examples and attention to subject-verb agreement will make this second nature.

By applying these rules consistently, your writing and speaking skills will become more fluent, accurate, and confident. Correct use of “is” and “are” not only prevents common grammar mistakes but also enhances your overall communication, making your English sound polished and professional.

FAQs

1. When should I use “is” in a sentence?

You should use “is” with singular nouns or he, she, it. Example: She is happy today.

2. When should I use “are” in a sentence?

Use “are” with plural nouns or we, you, they. Example: They are going to the market.

3. Can “you” take “is” instead of “are”?

No, “you” always takes “are”, even when referring to one person. Example: You are amazing!

4. What is a common mistake with “is” and “are”?

A frequent error is mixing singular and plural subjects, e.g., The dogs is playful (incorrect). Correct: The dogs are playful.

5. How can I practice using “is” and “are”?

Practice by writing sentences, reading English texts, and doing subject-verb agreement exercises. Consistent use improves fluency.