The proper usage of "is" and "are" in sentences can significantly impact the clarity and grammatical correctness of written and spoken language. Understanding the rules governing their use is essential for effective communication. The choice between "is" and "are" depends on the subject-verb agreement, which is determined by the noun or pronoun that the verb is associated with.
Subject-Verb Agreement Basics
In English, “is” is used with singular subjects, while “are” is used with plural subjects. A singular subject refers to one item or entity, whereas a plural subject refers to more than one item or entity. For example, “The cat is sleeping” uses “is” because “cat” is a singular noun, indicating one cat. On the other hand, “The cats are sleeping” uses “are” because “cats” is a plural noun, indicating more than one cat.
Singular and Plural Nouns
Singular nouns, such as “dog,” “house,” and “car,” are paired with “is.” For instance, “The dog is barking,” “The house is for sale,” and “The car is red.” Plural nouns, like “dogs,” “houses,” and “cars,” are paired with “are,” as seen in “The dogs are barking,” “The houses are for sale,” and “The cars are red.”
| Subject Type | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Singular Noun | The book is on the table. |
| Plural Noun | The books are on the table. |
Pronouns and Subject-Verb Agreement
Pronouns also follow the subject-verb agreement rules. Singular pronouns like “he,” “she,” and “it” are used with “is,” as in “He is coming,” “She is studying,” and “It is raining.” Plural pronouns such as “they,” “we,” and “you” (when referring to more than one person) are used with “are,” as seen in “They are coming,” “We are studying,” and “You are invited.”
Collective Nouns and Subject-Verb Agreement
Collective nouns, which refer to a group of individuals or items as a single unit, can be more complex. Examples include “team,” “family,” and “group.” In American English, collective nouns are often treated as singular, using “is,” as in “The team is playing well.” However, in British English, they can be treated as either singular or plural depending on the context, with “are” being used when emphasizing the individual members, as in “The team are arguing among themselves.”
Special Cases and Exceptions
There are instances where the rules can seem less clear-cut. For example, nouns that end in “-s” but are conceptually singular, such as “news” or “mathematics,” use “is” because they are treated as singular nouns. Additionally, some plural nouns that refer to a single quantity or amount, like “two dollars is a lot for this candy,” can use “is” due to the subject being a single, albeit plural, amount.
Key Points
- "Is" is used with singular subjects and plural subjects that are conceptually singular.
- "Are" is used with plural subjects and some collective nouns when emphasizing individual members.
- The subject-verb agreement can vary between American and British English for collective nouns.
- Singular pronouns use "is," while plural pronouns use "are."
- Special cases, such as nouns ending in "-s" but treated as singular, use "is."
In conclusion, mastering the use of "is" and "are" involves understanding the basics of subject-verb agreement and applying these rules to different types of nouns and pronouns. Recognizing the exceptions and special cases can further refine one's grasp of English grammar, leading to clearer and more effective communication.
How do I determine whether to use “is” or “are” with a collective noun?
+The choice between “is” and “are” with a collective noun depends on whether you’re emphasizing the group as a single unit or the individual members within the group. In American English, collective nouns are often treated as singular, using “is.” However, in British English, they can be treated as either singular or plural, depending on the context.
Are there any nouns that are exceptions to the singular-plural rule?
+Yes, there are nouns that end in “-s” but are conceptually singular, such as “news” or “mathematics.” These nouns use “is” because they are treated as singular nouns, despite their plural form.
How does the use of “is” and “are” apply to pronouns?
+Singular pronouns like “he,” “she,” and “it” use “is,” while plural pronouns such as “they,” “we,” and “you” (when referring to more than one person) use “are.” This follows the general rule of subject-verb agreement based on the number of the subject.
