Is or Are: Mastering Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of English grammar, ensuring that verbs align correctly with their subjects in number. The correct usage of “is” and “are” hinges on this agreement, and mastering it is crucial for clear and effective communication. Choosing between “is” and “are” seems simple, but errors are common, especially with compound subjects, collective nouns, and indefinite pronouns. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying subject-verb agreement with “is” and “are,” complete with examples, rules, and practice exercises.

Whether you’re a student honing your writing skills, a professional aiming for polished communication, or an English language learner striving for accuracy, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to use “is” and “are” correctly. By understanding the underlying principles and practicing regularly, you can avoid common mistakes and elevate your overall command of the English language. Let’s dive in!

Definition of Subject-Verb Agreement with “Is” and “Are”
Structural Breakdown
Types and Categories of Subjects
Examples of “Is” and “Are” Usage
Usage Rules for “Is” and “Are”
Common Mistakes with “Is” and “Are”
Practice Exercises
Advanced Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion

Definition of Subject-Verb Agreement with “Is” and “Are”

Subject-verb agreement is the correspondence of a verb with its subject in number (singular or plural). In simpler terms, if the subject is singular, the verb must be singular; if the subject is plural, the verb must be plural. This grammatical rule ensures clarity and coherence in writing and speech. The verbs “is” and “are” are forms of the verb “to be” in the present tense and are frequently used to demonstrate subject-verb agreement.

“Is” is the singular form of the verb “to be” in the present tense. It is used with singular nouns and pronouns (I, he, she, it). For example, “He is a doctor.”

“Are” is the plural form of the verb “to be” in the present tense. It is used with plural nouns and pronouns (we, you, they). For example, “They are students.” It is also used with the singular pronoun you.

Understanding the basic principles of subject-verb agreement is essential for constructing grammatically correct sentences. The correct choice between “is” and “are” directly impacts the clarity and accuracy of your communication. This simple rule can become complex when dealing with compound subjects, collective nouns, and indefinite pronouns, which we will explore in detail.

Structural Breakdown

The structure of a sentence involving “is” or “are” typically follows a basic pattern: Subject + Verb + Complement. The subject is the noun or pronoun performing the action or being described. The verb, in this case, is either “is” or “are,” and the complement provides additional information about the subject.

Here’s a breakdown of the structural elements:

Subject: The noun or pronoun that the sentence is about. It can be singular or plural.
Verb (“Is” or “Are”): The form of the verb “to be” that agrees with the subject. “Is” for singular subjects, “are” for plural subjects.
Complement: Provides more information about the subject. It can be a noun, adjective, or adverbial phrase.

Examples:

Subject (Singular): The book Verb: is Complement: on the table.
Subject (Plural): The books Verb: are Complement: on the table.
Subject (Singular Pronoun): He Verb: is Complement: a teacher.
Subject (Plural Pronoun): They Verb: are Complement: teachers.

The key to correct usage lies in identifying the subject and determining whether it is singular or plural. This determination dictates whether “is” or “are” should be used. Complex sentences may contain phrases or clauses that obscure the true subject, making careful analysis necessary.

Types and Categories of Subjects

Subjects in English grammar can be categorized into several types, each influencing the choice between “is” and “are.” Understanding these categories is crucial for mastering subject-verb agreement.

Singular Subjects

A singular subject refers to one person, place, thing, or idea. Singular subjects always take the singular verb form, which in this case is “is.”

Examples:

The cat is sleeping.
She is my sister.
My car is red.
The idea is interesting.

Plural Subjects

A plural subject refers to more than one person, place, thing, or idea. Plural subjects always take the plural verb form, which is “are.”

Examples:

The cats are sleeping.
They are my sisters.
My cars are red.
The ideas are interesting.

Compound Subjects

A compound subject consists of two or more subjects joined by a conjunction such as “and,” “or,” or “nor.” When subjects are joined by “and,” they generally take a plural verb (“are”). However, there are exceptions.

Examples:

John and Mary are going to the party.
The dog and the cat are playing together.

When subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Examples:

Neither John nor Mary is going to the party.
Either the students or the teacher is responsible.
Either the teacher or the students are responsible.

Collective Nouns

Collective nouns refer to a group of people or things considered as a single unit. These nouns can take either a singular or plural verb, depending on whether the group is acting as a single unit or as individual members.

Examples (Singular):

The team is playing well. (The team is acting as a unit.)
The family is large. (The family is considered as a whole.)

Examples (Plural):

The team are arguing about the strategy. (The team members are acting individually.)
The family are deciding on their vacation plans. (The family members are making individual decisions.)

Common collective nouns include team, family, committee, group, class, and audience.

Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns refer to nonspecific persons or things. Some indefinite pronouns are always singular (each, everyone, somebody, nobody, anyone, anything, everything), while others are always plural (both, few, several, many). Some can be either singular or plural depending on the context (some, any, none, all, most).

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Examples (Singular):

Everyone is ready.
Each of the students is talented.
Somebody is knocking at the door.

Examples (Plural):

Both are correct.
Few are interested.
Many are attending the conference.

Examples (Singular or Plural):

Some of the cake is gone. (Singular because “cake” is uncountable)
Some of the cookies are gone. (Plural because “cookies” is countable)
All of the water is clean. (Singular because “water” is uncountable)
All of the apples are ripe. (Plural because “apples” is countable)

Examples of “Is” and “Are” Usage

To further illustrate the use of “is” and “are,” let’s examine a variety of examples categorized by subject type. These tables provide clear instances of correct subject-verb agreement.

Singular Subject Examples

The following table showcases sentences with singular subjects and the corresponding use of “is”.

Sentence	Subject	Verb
The sun is shining brightly.	The sun	is
She is a talented musician.	She	is
My dog is barking at the mailman.	My dog	is
The capital of France is Paris.	The capital	is
This book is very interesting.	This book	is
He is a doctor.	He	is
It is raining outside.	It	is
The movie is starting soon.	The movie	is
Her smile is captivating.	Her smile	is
My house is located downtown.	My house	is
The weather today is beautiful.	The weather	is
His job is challenging but rewarding.	His job	is
The food is delicious.	The food	is
That song is my favorite.	That song	is
The lesson is easy to understand.	The lesson	is
The painting is a masterpiece.	The painting	is
Her hair is long and flowing.	Her hair	is
The car is parked in the garage.	The car	is
The key is under the doormat.	The key	is
His explanation is clear and concise.	His explanation	is
The answer is correct.	The answer	is
This question is difficult.	This question	is
The computer is working properly.	The computer	is
Her success is well-deserved.	Her success	is
The problem is complicated.	The problem	is
The solution is simple.	The solution	is
The plan is well-thought-out.	The plan	is
The result is satisfactory.	The result	is
Her performance is outstanding.	Her performance	is
The feeling is mutual.	The feeling	is

Plural Subject Examples

The following table showcases sentences with plural subjects and the corresponding use of “are”.

Sentence	Subject	Verb
The stars are shining brightly.	The stars	are
They are talented musicians.	They	are
My dogs are barking at the mailman.	My dogs	are
The capitals of Europe are diverse.	The capitals	are
These books are very interesting.	These books	are
We are students.	We	are
The movies are starting soon.	The movies	are
Her smiles are captivating.	Her smiles	are
My houses are located downtown.	My houses	are
The days are getting longer.	The days	are
Their jobs are challenging but rewarding.	Their jobs	are
The cookies are delicious.	The cookies	are
Those songs are my favorites.	Those songs	are
The lessons are easy to understand.	The lessons	are
The paintings are masterpieces.	The paintings	are
Their hairs are long and flowing.	Their hairs	are
The cars are parked in the garage.	The cars	are
The keys are under the doormat.	The keys	are
Their explanations are clear and concise.	Their explanations	are
The answers are correct.	The answers	are
These questions are difficult.	These questions	are
The computers are working properly.	The computers	are
Their successes are well-deserved.	Their successes	are
The problems are complicated.	The problems	are
The solutions are simple.	The solutions	are
The plans are well-thought-out.	The plans	are
The results are satisfactory.	The results	are
Their performances are outstanding.	Their performances	are
The feelings are mutual.	The feelings	are
The students are excited.	The students	are

Compound Subject Examples

The following table illustrates sentences with compound subjects and the corresponding verb choice (“is” or “are”).

Sentence	Subject	Verb
John and Mary are friends.	John and Mary	are
The cat and the dog are playing.	The cat and the dog	are
Neither the book nor the pen is on the table.	Neither the book nor the pen	is
Either the students or the teacher is responsible.	Either the students or the teacher	is
Either the teacher or the students are responsible.	Either the teacher or the students	are
My brother and I are going to the concert.	My brother and I	are
The president and the CEO are attending the meeting.	The president and the CEO	are
Pizza and beer are a classic combination.	Pizza and beer	are
Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich.	Peanut butter and jelly	is
The car and the motorcycle are in the garage.	The car and the motorcycle	are
Neither rain nor snow is stopping us.	Neither rain nor snow	is
Either the red shirt or the blue shirt is fine.	Either the red shirt or the blue shirt	is
Coffee and donuts are a popular breakfast.	Coffee and donuts	are
Honesty and integrity are important qualities.	Honesty and integrity	are
The singer and songwriter is very talented.	The singer and songwriter	is
Bread and butter is a simple meal.	Bread and butter	is
The actor and director are working together.	The actor and director	are
The chair and the table are made of wood.	The chair and the table	are
My mom and dad are coming to visit.	My mom and dad	are
The pen and paper are on the desk.	The pen and paper	are
Neither he nor she is available.	Neither he nor she	is
Either you or I am going to have to do it.	Either you or I	am
The book and its cover are both damaged.	The book and its cover	are
His intelligence and wit are impressive.	His intelligence and wit	are
The music and the lyrics are beautiful.	The music and the lyrics	are
The sun and the moon are celestial bodies.	The sun and the moon	are
My love and devotion are unwavering.	My love and devotion	are
The knife and fork are in the drawer.	The knife and fork	are
The wind and the rain are relentless.	The wind and the rain	are
The key and the lock are a perfect match.	The key and the lock	are

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Collective Noun Examples

The following table provides examples of sentences using collective nouns and illustrates when to use “is” or “are” based on context.

Sentence	Collective Noun	Verb	Explanation
The team is playing well.	Team	is	The team is acting as a unit.
The team are arguing about the strategy.	Team	are	The team members are acting individually.
The family is large.	Family	is	The family is considered as a whole.
The family are deciding on their vacation plans.	Family	are	The family members are making individual decisions.
The committee is meeting today.	Committee	is	The committee is acting as a group.
The committee are disagreeing on the proposal.	Committee	are	The committee members are acting individually.
The group is going to the movies.	Group	is	The group is acting as a single entity.
The group are sharing their ideas.	Group	are	The group members are acting individually.
The class is learning about grammar.	Class	is	The class is considered as a unit.
The class are working on different projects.	Class	are	The class members are working individually.
The audience is enjoying the performance.	Audience	is	The audience is acting as a whole.
The audience are expressing their opinions.	Audience	are	The audience members are acting individually.
The jury is ready to deliver its verdict.	Jury	is	The jury is acting as a single body.
The jury are divided on the issue.	Jury	are	The jury members are acting individually.
The band is playing a concert tonight.	Band	is	The band is acting as a unit.
The band are tuning their instruments.	Band	are	The band members are acting individually.
The government is implementing new policies.	Government	is	The government is acting as a single entity.
The government are debating the new policies.	Government	are	The government officials are acting individually.
The flock of birds is flying south.	Flock	is	The flock is acting as a single unit.
The flock of birds are scattering in different directions.	Flock	are	The birds are acting individually.
The crowd is cheering loudly.	Crowd	is	The crowd is acting as a single unit.
The crowd are dispersing after the event.	Crowd	are	The crowd members are acting individually.
The staff is working hard.	Staff	is	The staff is considered as a whole.
The staff are taking their breaks.	Staff	are	The staff members are acting individually.
The company is growing rapidly.	Company	is	The company is acting as a single entity.
The company are discussing their bonuses.	Company	are	The company employees are acting individually.
The orchestra is playing beautifully.	Orchestra	is	The orchestra is acting as a unit.
The orchestra are adjusting their instruments.	Orchestra	are	The orchestra members are acting individually.
The union is negotiating a new contract.	Union	is	The union is acting as a single entity.
The union are voting on the new contract.	Union	are	The union members are acting individually.

Indefinite Pronoun Examples

The following table provides sentences using indefinite pronouns and illustrates the correct verb choice (“is” or “are”).

Sentence	Indefinite Pronoun	Verb
Everyone is ready to go.	Everyone	is
Each of the students is talented.	Each	is
Somebody is knocking at the door.	Somebody	is
Both are correct.	Both	are
Few are interested in the topic.	Few	are
Many are attending the conference.	Many	are
Some of the cake is gone.	Some	is
Some of the cookies are gone.	Some	are
All of the water is clean.	All	is
All of the apples are ripe.	All	are
Anything is possible.	Anything	is
Everything is ready.	Everything	is
Nothing is certain.	Nothing	is
Nobody is perfect.	Nobody	is
Someone is calling you.	Someone	is
Several are missing.	Several	are
Any of the books are available.	Any	are
Any of the information is helpful.	Any	is
Most of the pie is eaten.	Most	is
Most of the guests are here.	Most	are
None of the money is left.	None	is
None of the students are present.	None	are
One is enough.	One	is
Another is coming.	Another	is
Each one is unique.	Each one	is
Few of them are reliable.	Few	are
Many of us are tired.	Many	are
Much is needed.	Much	is
Little is known.	Little	is
Either is acceptable.	Either	is

Usage Rules for “Is” and “Are”

Several rules govern the correct usage of “is” and “are.” These rules cover various scenarios, including basic agreement, compound subjects, collective nouns, and indefinite pronouns.

Basic Agreement Rule

The most fundamental rule is that a singular subject takes the singular verb “is,” and a plural subject takes the plural verb “are.”

Examples:

The dog is barking. (Singular subject)
The dogs are barking. (Plural subject)
She is happy. (Singular subject)
They are happy. (Plural subject)

Compound Subject Rules

When two or more subjects are joined by “and,” use “are” unless the subjects refer to a single entity.

Examples:

John and Mary are going to the store.
Peanut butter and jelly is a good combination. (Refers to a single sandwich type)

When subjects are joined by “or” or “nor,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Examples:

Neither the students nor the teacher is here.
Neither the teacher nor the students are here.

Collective Noun Rules

If the collective noun is acting as a single unit, use “is.” If the collective noun’s members are acting individually, use “are.”

Examples:

The team is playing well. (Acting as a unit)
The team are arguing. (Acting individually)

Indefinite Pronoun Rules

Some indefinite pronouns are always singular (e.g., each, everyone, somebody), and some are always plural (e.g., both, few, several). Others can be singular or plural depending on the context (e.g., some, any, none, all, most).

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Examples:

Everyone is ready.
Both are correct.
Some of the cake is gone.
Some of the cookies are gone.

“There is/are” and “Here is/are”

With “there is/are” and “here is/are,” the verb agrees with the noun that follows. “There” and “here” are not the subjects.

Examples:

There is a book on the table.
There are books on the table.
Here is your key.
Here are your keys.

Inverted Sentences

In inverted sentences, the subject comes after the verb. Ensure the verb agrees with the subject, not the word that comes before it.

Examples:

On the table is a book.
Under the tree are many flowers.

Titles and Organizations

Titles of books, movies, and organizations are usually treated as singular, even if they contain plural words.

Examples:

“The Lord of the Rings” is a popular book series.
Acme Corp is a successful company.

Units of Measurement

Units of measurement are usually treated as singular when considered as a single quantity or unit.

Examples:

Five dollars is too much to pay for that coffee.
Ten kilometers is a long distance to walk.

Common Mistakes with “Is” and “Are”

Even with a solid understanding of the rules, mistakes can still occur. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

Incorrect identification of the subject: Failing to correctly identify the subject of the sentence, especially in complex sentences with phrases or clauses.
Confusion with compound subjects: Not recognizing when a compound subject joined by “and” should be treated as singular (e.g., “peanut butter and jelly”).
Misunderstanding collective nouns: Not discerning whether a collective noun is acting as a unit or as individual members.
Errors with indefinite pronouns: Forgetting which indefinite pronouns are always singular or plural, and not recognizing when they can be either.
Ignoring intervening phrases: Allowing phrases that come between the subject and verb to influence verb choice (e.g., “The box of chocolates is/are on the shelf”).

Being aware of these common mistakes can help you avoid them and ensure accurate subject-verb agreement.

Practice Exercises

To solidify your understanding of subject-verb agreement with “is” and “are,” complete the following exercises. Identify the correct verb form in each sentence.

Exercise 1: Basic Subject-Verb Agreement

Choose the correct verb (“is” or “are”) for each sentence.

The book ______ on the table.
The books ______ on the table.
She ______ a talented artist.
They ______ talented artists.
My dog ______ barking loudly.
My dogs ______ barking loudly.
It ______ raining outside.
We ______ going to the park.
He ______ my best friend.
You ______ my best friend.

Answers:

Exercise 2: Compound Subjects

Choose the correct verb (“is” or “are”) for each sentence.

John and Mary ______ going to the party.
Peanut butter and jelly ______ my favorite sandwich.
Neither the cat nor the dog ______ allowed on the furniture.
Either the students or the teacher ______ responsible for the mess.
Either the teacher or the students ______ responsible for the mess.

Answers:

Exercise 3: Collective Nouns

Choose the correct verb (“is” or “are”) for each sentence.

The team ______ playing well.
The team ______ arguing about the strategy.
The family ______ large.
The family ______ deciding on their vacation plans.
The committee ______ meeting today.

Answers:

Exercise 4: Indefinite Pronouns

Choose the correct verb (“is” or “are”) for each sentence.

Everyone ______ ready.
Both ______ correct.
Some of the cake ______ gone.
Some of the cookies ______ gone.
All of the water ______ clean.

Answers:

Advanced Topics

Beyond the basic rules, several advanced topics can further refine your understanding of subject-verb agreement.

Subjunctive Mood

The subjunctive mood expresses a wish, suggestion, or condition that is contrary to fact. In the subjunctive mood, the verb “to be” takes the form “were” for all subjects, even singular ones.

Example:

If I were you, I would take the job.

Relative Clauses

In relative clauses, the verb must agree with the antecedent of the relative pronoun (who, which, that).

Examples:

The book that is on the table is mine.
The books that are on the table are mine.

Gerunds

A gerund (a verb form ending in “-ing” that functions as a noun) typically takes a singular verb.

Example:

Swimming is good exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if the subject is a long phrase?

A: Identify the main noun in the phrase to determine whether it’s singular or plural, and make the verb agree with that noun.

Q: How do I handle sentences that start with “it”?

A: “It” always takes the singular verb “is.” For example, “It is important to study.”

Q: What about sentences with both positive and negative subjects?

A: The verb agrees with the positive subject. For example, “Not the students, but the teacher is responsible.”

Conclusion

Mastering subject-verb agreement with “is” and “are” is essential for clear and effective communication. By understanding the basic rules, recognizing different types of subjects, and practicing regularly, you can avoid common mistakes and enhance your overall command of English grammar. Remember to pay close attention to compound subjects, collective nouns, and indefinite pronouns, and always double-check your sentences for accuracy. With consistent effort and attention to detail, you can confidently use “is” and “are” correctly in all your writing and speaking.

Mr. Terban

I’m James Terban, a teacher with a degree in Education and five years of experience working with students of all ages, from young kids learning their first grammar rules to adults picking up English as a second language. I started Linguistics Guide because I kept seeing good learners hit a wall due to explanations that were either too vague or too complicated. Every article here comes from a real question I have heard in a classroom or seen asked online.