Every day, I open my emails, check texts, and write social posts for different clients. It’s surprising how these tiny words – Is vs. Are – can cause unexpected mistakes. Once, a careless slip turned an important update into a confusing mess. I accidentally wrote, “Here are the issues” when I meant just one! And we’ve all read a message like “There are five cookies” used weirdly. These small errors quietly sneak into your writing and slowly undermine your authority, credibility, and the friendly tone you try to build.
I’ve found that mastering subject–verb agreement does more than avoid awkward moments – it really helps polish your prose and makes you feel confident. I keep mental rules and a few practical tips handy while editing. For example, quick examples stay in my memory: if your subject is singular, use is; if plural, use are. These smart habits keep my ideas clear, whether I’m on a work trip or at my desk. Focusing on this tiny detail strengthens your voice and keeps every message strong, smooth, and clear every time.
The Core Difference Between “Is” and “Are”
“Is” pairs with singular subjects. “Are” partners with plural subjects.
Think simple: only one = is, more than one = are. Of course, language comes with exceptions, so let’s break it down thoroughly:
| Subject Type | Singular? | Verb | Example |
| Single noun | ✓ | is | The cat is sleeping. |
| Multiple nouns | ✗ | are | The puppies are barking. |
| Collective noun | Varies | See below | – – |
| Mass/uncountable noun | ✓ | is | The furniture is new. |
| Indefinite pronoun | ✓ | is | Everyone is invited. |
| Compound/coordinate subject | ✗ | are | Tom and Sara are arriving. |
Using “Is” with Singular Subjects
Rule: Use is with one person, place, thing, or idea.
✅ Typical “Is” Situations
- Single noun: The mug is empty.
- Singular pronouns: He is, she is, it is
- Indefinite pronouns: Someone is calling.
- Titles, time, distances: “One Year Later” is the movie’s title.
🧠 Memory Help
Ask: “If I replaced the subject with ‘he,’ would I still say ‘is’?” Example: “The pack is lost.” Replace with “He is lost.” Works, so it stays.
🧩 Examples in Action
- The committee is meeting today.
- Each ingredient is fresh.
- A piece of the puzzle is missing.
Using “Are” with Plural Subjects
Rule: Use are for more than one subject.
✅ Typical “Are” Situations
- Plural nouns: Books are on the shelf.
- Pronouns: They are, we are
- Compound subjects: Coffee and tea are served.
- With “both,” “several,” and “many”: Both players are ready.
💡 Quick Check
Swap the subject with “they.” If it still makes sense with are, you’re good. Example: “The files are corrupted.” → “They are corrupted.” Perfect fit.
🧩 Examples in Action
- The trees are tall this season.
- They are watching the movie.
- Several issues are unresolved.
Collective Nouns: Unit vs. Individuals
Words like team, family, group, class, and committee can be tricky – they’re one thing, but made of many.
🧱 When the Group Acts as One: Use is
- The jury is unanimous. (They rule as one.)
- The class is full of energy.
🕺 When Individuals Matter: Useise
- The team is wearing their new jerseys. (individual actions)
- The staff are arriving at their desks.
🧠 Remember: Unit = is, Members = are
Check the verb by asking: “Is the team acting as one?” If yes → is.
✅ Real Examples from News & Conversation
- “The cast is ready for opening night.” → group, one action
- “The cast is arguing about roles.” → individual disputes
Up Next
We’ve solidified the basics. The next sections will explore:
- Mass nouns (why “furniture is” even though items are many)
- There is/are tricks
- Special phrases like “several” vs. “the number of”
- Questions and inversion
- Practice quizzes and real-world case studies
Conclusion:
Once you understand the basic rules – and the exceptions – choosing between “is” and “are” becomes second nature. It’s all about identifying whether your subject is singular or plural, and whether collective or mass nouns act as one unit or multiple parts.
Even native speakers slip up, especially when dealing with tricky phrases like “several”, “none”, or collective nouns. But now that you’re equipped with clear rules, practical examples, and memory hacks, you’re one step ahead.
Quick tips to remember:
- Use is for singular nouns or when the group acts as one.
- Use are for plural nouns or when individuals are doing different things.
- Pay attention to the subject, not what comes after it.
- Use “there is” when the thing being introduced is singular; “there are” when it’s plural.
Grammar isn’t about sounding stiff – it’s about making your writing flow naturally and clearly. Get this right, and everything else sounds more polished.
FAQs:
Why do people say “data are” instead of “data is”?
The word “data” is technically the plural of “datum.” In scientific and academic writing, “data are” is correct. But in modern English, especially in casual or journalistic usage, “data” is treated as a mass noun – so “data is” is widely accepted and preferred by most style guides (like the Associated Press).
Can I use “is” and “are” with uncountable nouns?
Yes, but almost always “is.” Mass or uncountable nouns – like water, advice, information, furniture – are treated as singular. So you’d say, “The information is helpful,” not “are.” Even if it feels plural conceptually, the form is singular.
What’s the difference between “several” and “the number of”?
- “Several” = plural = use are → “Several people are late.”
- “The number of” = singular = use is → “The number of late people is surprising.”
The article (a vs. the) changes how the phrase functions in the sentence.
Does subject-verb agreement change in questions?
No, the subject still controls the verb. Examples:
- “Is there a solution?” → singular subject
- “Are there any updates?” → plural subject
Just remember to locate the subject after the verb and match accordingly.
Can “none” be plural or singular?
Yes. “None” can be either, depending on the noun it’s referring to:
- Singular: “None of the cake is left.”
- Plural: “None of the cookies are left.”
Ask yourself if the noun after “none” is countable and plural. If so, use are.
