{"id":1720,"date":"2020-10-30T10:05:13","date_gmt":"2020-10-30T09:05:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.englishforums.com\/blog\/?p=1720"},"modified":"2026-08-11T06:24:04","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T06:24:04","slug":"is-vs-are-when-to-use-each","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.englishforward.com\/blog\/is-vs-are-when-to-use-each\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Vs Are: When to Use Each"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1 data-path-to-node=\"3\">Is vs. Are: Subject-Verb Agreement Rules and Examples<\/h1>\n<blockquote data-path-to-node=\"4\">\n<p data-path-to-node=\"4,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Quick Summary:<\/b><\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"4,1\">Use <b data-path-to-node=\"4,1\" data-index-in-node=\"4\">&#8220;is&#8221;<\/b> with singular subjects, non-countable nouns, and third-person singular pronouns (<i data-path-to-node=\"4,1\" data-index-in-node=\"90\">he, she, it<\/i>). Use <b data-path-to-node=\"4,1\" data-index-in-node=\"108\">&#8220;are&#8221;<\/b> with plural subjects, collective groups acting as individuals, and second\/third-person plural pronouns (<i data-path-to-node=\"4,1\" data-index-in-node=\"218\">you, we, they<\/i>). The choice between &#8220;is&#8221; and &#8220;are&#8221; depends entirely on the grammatical subject of your sentence.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"6\">Introduction: Understanding the Verb &#8220;To Be&#8221;<\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"7\">In English grammar, few words are used as frequently as <b data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"56\">&#8220;is&#8221;<\/b> and <b data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"65\">&#8220;are.&#8221;<\/b> Both words are present-tense forms of the primary auxiliary verb <b data-path-to-node=\"7\" data-index-in-node=\"137\">to be<\/b>.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"8\">The verb <i data-path-to-node=\"8\" data-index-in-node=\"9\">to be<\/i> is essential because it serves two distinct purposes:<\/p>\n<ol start=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"9\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"9,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"9,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Main Verb:<\/b> Standing independently to describe a state of being, identity, or quality (e.g., <i data-path-to-node=\"9,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"92\">&#8220;He <b data-path-to-node=\"9,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"96\">is<\/b> a teacher&#8221;<\/i>).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"9,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"9,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Auxiliary (Helping) Verb:<\/b> Working alongside a present participle (<i data-path-to-node=\"9,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"66\">-ing<\/i> verb) to form continuous tenses (e.g., <i data-path-to-node=\"9,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"110\">&#8220;They <b data-path-to-node=\"9,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"116\">are<\/b> studying for the exam&#8221;<\/i>).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"10\">Despite their daily use, choosing between &#8220;is&#8221; and &#8220;are&#8221; can present challenges, especially when dealing with complex subjects, collective nouns, or words like <i data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"160\">data<\/i>, <i data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"166\">all<\/i>, and <i data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"175\">everyone<\/i>.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"11\">Understanding how <b data-path-to-node=\"11\" data-index-in-node=\"18\">subject-verb agreement<\/b> works ensures that your spoken and written English remains clear, accurate, and natural. This comprehensive guide breaks down the core rules, tricky exceptions, and real-world examples.<\/p>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"13\">The Core Rule: Singular vs. Plural Subjects<\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"14\">The choice between &#8220;is&#8221; and &#8220;are&#8221; comes down to a fundamental grammatical principle: <b data-path-to-node=\"14\" data-index-in-node=\"85\">subject-verb agreement<\/b>.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"15\">The <b data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"4\">subject<\/b> of a sentence is the noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that performs the action or exists in a state of being.<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"16\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"16,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"16,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Singular Subjects:<\/b> Refer to one person, place, object, or concept <span class=\"math-inline\" data-math=\"\\rightarrow\" data-index-in-node=\"66\">$\\rightarrow$<\/span> Use <b data-path-to-node=\"16,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"82\">IS<\/b>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"16,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"16,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Plural Subjects:<\/b> Refer to two or more people, places, objects, or concepts <span class=\"math-inline\" data-math=\"\\rightarrow\" data-index-in-node=\"75\">$\\rightarrow$<\/span> Use <b data-path-to-node=\"16,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"91\">ARE<\/b>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"code-block ng-tns-c2065955761-117 ng-animate-disabled ng-trigger ng-trigger-codeBlockRevealAnimation\" data-hveid=\"0\" data-ved=\"0CAAQhtANahgKEwjm_9ea95eWAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQtwI\">\n<div class=\"formatted-code-block-internal-container ng-tns-c2065955761-117\">\n<div class=\"animated-opacity ng-tns-c2065955761-117\">\n<pre class=\"ng-tns-c2065955761-117\"><code class=\"code-container formatted ng-tns-c2065955761-117 no-decoration-radius\" role=\"text\" data-test-id=\"code-content\">Subject-Verb Alignment Blueprint:\r\n\r\n  SINGULAR SUBJECT  (He \/ She \/ It \/ Cat)    ---&gt;  IS   (e.g., \"The cat IS sleeping\")\r\n  PLURAL SUBJECT    (You \/ We \/ They \/ Cats)  ---&gt;  ARE  (e.g., \"The cats ARE sleeping\")\r\n<\/code><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"18\">Pairing &#8220;Is&#8221; and &#8220;Are&#8221; with Subject Pronouns<\/h3>\n<table data-path-to-node=\"19\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Subject Pronoun<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Point of View<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Correct Verb<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Example Sentence<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"19,1,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"19,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">I<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"19,1,1,0\">First-Person Singular<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"19,1,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"19,1,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Am<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"19,1,3,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"19,1,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;I <b data-path-to-node=\"19,1,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"3\">am<\/b> going to the store.&#8221;<\/i><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"19,2,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"19,2,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">He \/ She \/ It<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"19,2,1,0\">Third-Person Singular<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"19,2,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"19,2,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Is<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"19,2,3,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"19,2,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;She <b data-path-to-node=\"19,2,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"5\">is<\/b> reading a book.&#8221;<\/i><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"19,3,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"19,3,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">You<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"19,3,1,0\">Second-Person (Singular &amp; Plural)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"19,3,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"19,3,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Are<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"19,3,3,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"19,3,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;You <b data-path-to-node=\"19,3,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"5\">are<\/b> doing a great job.&#8221;<\/i><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"19,4,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"19,4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">We<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"19,4,1,0\">First-Person Plural<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"19,4,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"19,4,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Are<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"19,4,3,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"19,4,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;We <b data-path-to-node=\"19,4,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"4\">are<\/b> traveling together.&#8221;<\/i><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"19,5,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"19,5,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">They<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"19,5,1,0\">Third-Person Plural<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"19,5,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"19,5,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Are<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"19,5,3,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"19,5,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;They <b data-path-to-node=\"19,5,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"6\">are<\/b> waiting outside.&#8221;<\/i><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"21\">6 Tricky Grammar Cases: &#8220;Is&#8221; vs. &#8220;Are&#8221;<\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"22\">While basic subject-verb agreement is straightforward, certain nouns and sentence structures require special attention.<\/p>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"23\">1. Is &#8220;Data&#8221; Singular or Plural?<\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"24\">Historically, <b data-path-to-node=\"24\" data-index-in-node=\"14\">data<\/b> is the plural form of the Latin noun <i data-path-to-node=\"24\" data-index-in-node=\"56\">datum<\/i>. Under strict traditional rules, &#8220;data&#8221; is plural:<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"25\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"25,0,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"25,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Formal \/ Academic:<\/i> <i data-path-to-node=\"25,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"19\">&#8220;The data <b data-path-to-node=\"25,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"29\">are<\/b> clear.&#8221;<\/i> \/ <i data-path-to-node=\"25,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"43\">&#8220;The research data <b data-path-to-node=\"25,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"62\">show<\/b> a positive trend.&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"26\">However, in modern everyday English, technology, and general journalism, &#8220;data&#8221; is frequently treated as an <b data-path-to-node=\"26\" data-index-in-node=\"108\">uncountable mass noun<\/b> (similar to words like <i data-path-to-node=\"26\" data-index-in-node=\"153\">information<\/i> or <i data-path-to-node=\"26\" data-index-in-node=\"168\">furniture<\/i>). Therefore, using a singular verb is widely accepted in non-academic settings:<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"27\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"27,0,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"27,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Modern \/ Informal:<\/i> <i data-path-to-node=\"27,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"19\">&#8220;The data <b data-path-to-node=\"27,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"29\">is<\/b> clear.&#8221;<\/i> \/ <i data-path-to-node=\"27,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"42\">&#8220;The data <b data-path-to-node=\"27,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"52\">shows<\/b> a positive trend.&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote data-path-to-node=\"28\">\n<p data-path-to-node=\"28,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"28,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Recommendation:<\/b> In academic papers and scientific journals, use <b data-path-to-node=\"28,0\" data-index-in-node=\"64\">&#8220;data are.&#8221;<\/b> In casual conversation, technology, and business communications, <b data-path-to-node=\"28,0\" data-index-in-node=\"141\">&#8220;data is&#8221;<\/b> is standard.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"30\">2. &#8220;Are&#8221; vs. &#8220;Our&#8221;: Homophones Explained<\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"31\">English language learners sometimes confuse <b data-path-to-node=\"31\" data-index-in-node=\"44\">are<\/b> and <b data-path-to-node=\"31\" data-index-in-node=\"52\">our<\/b> because they can sound identical in fast conversational speech. However, they perform entirely different grammatical roles:<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"32\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"32,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"32,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Are (Verb):<\/b> A present-tense form of <i data-path-to-node=\"32,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"36\">to be<\/i> (e.g., <i data-path-to-node=\"32,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"49\">&#8220;We <b data-path-to-node=\"32,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"53\">are<\/b> driving to work&#8221;<\/i>).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"32,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"32,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Our (Possessive Pronoun):<\/b> Indicates ownership belonging to us (e.g., <i data-path-to-node=\"32,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"69\">&#8220;The teacher told us to open <b data-path-to-node=\"32,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"98\">our<\/b> books&#8221;<\/i>).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"34\">3. Is &#8220;All&#8221; Singular or Plural?<\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"35\">The word <b data-path-to-node=\"35\" data-index-in-node=\"9\">all<\/b> is context-dependent. It can take either a singular or plural verb depending on the noun it modifies or represents.<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"36\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"36,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"36,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">When &#8220;All&#8221; Represents a Singular Concept or Uncountable Mass <span class=\"math-inline\" data-math=\"\\rightarrow\" data-index-in-node=\"61\">$\\rightarrow$<\/span> Use IS:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"36,0,1\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"36,0,1,0,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"36,0,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;All <b data-path-to-node=\"36,0,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"5\">is<\/b> well.&#8221;<\/i> (<i data-path-to-node=\"36,0,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"16\">All<\/i> acts as a singular pronoun meaning <i data-path-to-node=\"36,0,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"55\">everything<\/i>).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"36,0,1,1,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"36,0,1,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;All the milk <b data-path-to-node=\"36,0,1,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"14\">is<\/b> on the counter.&#8221;<\/i> (<i data-path-to-node=\"36,0,1,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"35\">Milk<\/i> is an uncountable noun).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"36,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"36,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">When &#8220;All&#8221; Refers to Countable Plural Items <span class=\"math-inline\" data-math=\"\\rightarrow\" data-index-in-node=\"44\">$\\rightarrow$<\/span> Use ARE:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"36,1,1\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"36,1,1,0,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"36,1,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;All of the houses <b data-path-to-node=\"36,1,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"19\">are<\/b> painted white.&#8221;<\/i> (<i data-path-to-node=\"36,1,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"40\">Houses<\/i> is a plural noun).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"36,1,1,1,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"36,1,1,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;All the students <b data-path-to-node=\"36,1,1,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"18\">are<\/b> present today.&#8221;<\/i> (<i data-path-to-node=\"36,1,1,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"39\">Students<\/i> is a plural noun).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"38\">4. Singular Indefinite Pronouns (&#8220;Everyone&#8221;, &#8220;Somebody&#8221;)<\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"39\">Indefinite pronouns ending in <b data-path-to-node=\"39\" data-index-in-node=\"30\">-body<\/b> or <b data-path-to-node=\"39\" data-index-in-node=\"39\">-one<\/b> (<i data-path-to-node=\"39\" data-index-in-node=\"45\">everyone, somebody, nobody, anyone, localized items<\/i>) may feel plural because they refer to groups of people. However, grammatically, they are <b data-path-to-node=\"39\" data-index-in-node=\"187\">always singular<\/b>.<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"40\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"40,0,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"40,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Correct:<\/i> <i data-path-to-node=\"40,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"9\">&#8220;<b data-path-to-node=\"40,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"10\">Everyone is<\/b> ready to leave.&#8221;<\/i> (Incorrect: <i data-path-to-node=\"40,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"51\">&#8220;Everyone are ready&#8230;&#8221;<\/i>)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"40,1,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"40,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Correct:<\/i> <i data-path-to-node=\"40,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"9\">&#8220;<b data-path-to-node=\"40,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"10\">Somebody is<\/b> standing at the door.&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"40,2,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"40,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Correct:<\/i> <i data-path-to-node=\"40,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"9\">&#8220;<b data-path-to-node=\"40,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"10\">Neither<\/b> of the two choices <b data-path-to-node=\"40,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"37\">is<\/b> ideal.&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"42\">5. &#8220;Either\/Or&#8221; and &#8220;Neither\/Nor&#8221; Rules<\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"43\">When subjects are connected by <b data-path-to-node=\"43\" data-index-in-node=\"31\">either&#8230;or<\/b> or <b data-path-to-node=\"43\" data-index-in-node=\"46\">neither&#8230;nor<\/b>, the verb must agree with the subject <b data-path-to-node=\"43\" data-index-in-node=\"98\">closest to the verb<\/b>.<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"44\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"44,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"44,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Singular Subject Closest:<\/b> <i data-path-to-node=\"44,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"26\">&#8220;Either my brothers or my <b data-path-to-node=\"44,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"52\">father is<\/b> coming.&#8221;<\/i> (<i data-path-to-node=\"44,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"72\">Father<\/i> is singular).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"44,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"44,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Plural Subject Closest:<\/b> <i data-path-to-node=\"44,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"24\">&#8220;Either my father or my <b data-path-to-node=\"44,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"48\">brothers are<\/b> coming.&#8221;<\/i> (<i data-path-to-node=\"44,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"71\">Brothers<\/i> is plural).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"46\">6. Non-Countable Nouns vs. Collective Nouns<\/h3>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"47\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"47,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"47,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Non-Countable Nouns (Always Singular):<\/b> Abstract ideas or substances that cannot be counted individually take <b data-path-to-node=\"47,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"109\">is<\/b> (e.g., <i data-path-to-node=\"47,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"119\">water, milk, advice, sleep, information<\/i>).<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"47,0,1\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"47,0,1,0,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"47,0,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;Sleep <b data-path-to-node=\"47,0,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"7\">is<\/b> essential for a baby&#8217;s growth.&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"47,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"47,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Collective Nouns (Unified Group vs. Individual Members):<\/b> Nouns representing a group (<i data-path-to-node=\"47,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"85\">team, family, committee<\/i>) take <b data-path-to-node=\"47,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"115\">is<\/b> when acting as a single unit, but take <b data-path-to-node=\"47,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"157\">are<\/b> when referring to individual members.<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"47,1,1\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"47,1,1,0,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"47,1,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Unified Unit:<\/i> <i data-path-to-node=\"47,1,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"14\">&#8220;The team <b data-path-to-node=\"47,1,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"24\">is<\/b> aiming to break the record.&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"47,1,1,1,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"47,1,1,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Individual Members:<\/i> <i data-path-to-node=\"47,1,1,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"20\">&#8220;The members of the team <b data-path-to-node=\"47,1,1,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"45\">are<\/b> arriving separately.&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"49\">&#8220;There Is&#8221; vs. &#8220;There Are&#8221;: How to Choose<\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"50\">When starting a sentence with the dummy subject <b data-path-to-node=\"50\" data-index-in-node=\"48\">there<\/b>, look at the noun that comes <i data-path-to-node=\"50\" data-index-in-node=\"83\">after<\/i> the verb to determine whether to use &#8220;is&#8221; or &#8220;are.&#8221;<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"51\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"51,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"51,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;There is&#8221; + Singular \/ Uncountable Noun:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"51,0,1\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"51,0,1,0,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"51,0,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;There <b data-path-to-node=\"51,0,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"7\">is a man<\/b> in the waiting room.&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"51,0,1,1,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"51,0,1,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;There <b data-path-to-node=\"51,0,1,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"7\">is water<\/b> on the floor.&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"51,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"51,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;There are&#8221; + Plural Noun:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"51,1,1\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"51,1,1,0,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"51,1,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;There <b data-path-to-node=\"51,1,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"7\">are men<\/b> in the waiting room.&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"51,1,1,1,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"51,1,1,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;There <b data-path-to-node=\"51,1,1,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"7\">are several options<\/b> available.&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"53\">Summary Comparison Table<\/h2>\n<table data-path-to-node=\"54\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Subject Type<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Verb Choice<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Key Rule<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Example Sentence<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"54,1,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"54,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Singular Noun \/ Pronoun<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"54,1,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"54,1,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Is<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"54,1,2,0\">Refers to one person or thing<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"54,1,3,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"54,1,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;The baby <b data-path-to-node=\"54,1,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"10\">is<\/b> walking.&#8221;<\/i><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"54,2,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"54,2,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Plural Noun \/ Pronoun<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"54,2,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"54,2,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Are<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"54,2,2,0\">Refers to multiple people or things<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"54,2,3,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"54,2,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;The babies <b data-path-to-node=\"54,2,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"12\">are<\/b> walking.&#8221;<\/i><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"54,3,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"54,3,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Uncountable Noun<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"54,3,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"54,3,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Is<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"54,3,2,0\">Cannot be counted individually<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"54,3,3,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"54,3,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;Information <b data-path-to-node=\"54,3,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"13\">is<\/b> power.&#8221;<\/i><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"54,4,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"54,4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Indefinite Pronoun<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"54,4,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"54,4,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Is<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"54,4,2,0\">Words ending in <i data-path-to-node=\"54,4,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"16\">-body<\/i> or <i data-path-to-node=\"54,4,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"25\">-one<\/i><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"54,4,3,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"54,4,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;Everyone <b data-path-to-node=\"54,4,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"10\">is<\/b> invited.&#8221;<\/i><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"54,5,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"54,5,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Collective Noun (Unit)<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"54,5,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"54,5,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Is<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"54,5,2,0\">Group acts as one single entity<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"54,5,3,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"54,5,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;The family <b data-path-to-node=\"54,5,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"12\">is<\/b> on vacation.&#8221;<\/i><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"54,6,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"54,6,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Collective Noun (Members)<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"54,6,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"54,6,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Are<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"54,6,2,0\">Focusing on individual members<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"54,6,3,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"54,6,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;Family members <b data-path-to-node=\"54,6,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"16\">are<\/b> arguing.&#8221;<\/i><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"56\">Practice Exercise: Test Your Knowledge<\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"57\">Choose the correct verb to complete each sentence:<\/p>\n<ol start=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"58\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"58,0,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"58,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Neither of the candidates ________ qualified for the position.<\/i><\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"58,0,1\">a) is<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"58,0,2\">b) are<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"58,0,3\">c) be<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"58,1,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"58,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">There ________ three new messages in your inbox.<\/i><\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"58,1,1\">a) is<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"58,1,2\">b) are<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"58,1,3\">c) am<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"58,2,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"58,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">All of the equipment ________ stored safely in the warehouse.<\/i><\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"58,2,1\">a) is<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"58,2,2\">b) are<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"58,2,3\">c) were<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"59\"><i data-path-to-node=\"59\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">(Answers: 1 = a, 2 = b, 3 = a)<\/i><\/p>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"61\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"62\">Is &#8220;data is&#8221; or &#8220;data are&#8221; correct?<\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"63\">Both are correct depending on context. In academic, scientific, and formal research writing, &#8220;data&#8221; is treated as plural (<i data-path-to-node=\"63\" data-index-in-node=\"122\">&#8220;the data show&#8221;<\/i>). In everyday business, technology, and casual speech, &#8220;data&#8221; is treated as an uncountable singular noun (<i data-path-to-node=\"63\" data-index-in-node=\"244\">&#8220;the data shows&#8221;<\/i>).<\/p>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"64\">Why do we say &#8220;you are&#8221; when talking to just one person?<\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"65\">In English grammar, the pronoun <b data-path-to-node=\"65\" data-index-in-node=\"32\">you<\/b> always takes the plural verb form <b data-path-to-node=\"65\" data-index-in-node=\"70\">are<\/b>, regardless of whether it refers to a single individual or a group of people (e.g., <i data-path-to-node=\"65\" data-index-in-node=\"158\">&#8220;You are my best friend&#8221;<\/i>).<\/p>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"66\">When should I use &#8220;there is&#8221; vs. &#8220;there are&#8221;?<\/h3>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"67\">Use &#8220;there is&#8221; before singular nouns or uncountable mass nouns (e.g., <i data-path-to-node=\"67\" data-index-in-node=\"70\">&#8220;There is a book on the table&#8221;<\/i>). Use &#8220;there are&#8221; before plural nouns (e.g., <i data-path-to-node=\"67\" data-index-in-node=\"146\">&#8220;There are books on the table&#8221;<\/i>).<\/p>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"69\">Master English Subject-Verb Agreement<\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"70\">Mastering subject-verb agreement with <b data-path-to-node=\"70\" data-index-in-node=\"38\">&#8220;is vs. are&#8221;<\/b> builds a strong foundation for clear, authoritative writing and natural spoken English.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"71\">To keep expanding your understanding of prepositions, verb tenses, and sentence structure, explore our full library of guides on the <b data-path-to-node=\"71\" data-index-in-node=\"133\"><a class=\"ng-star-inserted\" href=\"https:\/\/www.englishforward.com\/blog\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-hveid=\"0\" data-ved=\"0CAAQ_4QMahgKEwjm_9ea95eWAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQvAI\">English Forward Grammar Hub<\/a><\/b>.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"72\">Have a question about a complex sentence structure? Ask our global teacher community in the <b data-path-to-node=\"72\" data-index-in-node=\"92\"><a class=\"ng-star-inserted\" href=\"https:\/\/www.englishforward.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-hveid=\"0\" data-ved=\"0CAAQ_4QMahgKEwjm_9ea95eWAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQvQI\">English Forward Language Community Forum<\/a><\/b> to receive direct guidance from certified ESL teachers and native speakers!<\/p>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"74\"><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is vs. Are: Subject-Verb Agreement Rules and Examples Quick Summary: Use &#8220;is&#8221; with singular subjects, non-countable nouns, and third-person singular pronouns (he, she, it). Use &#8230; <a title=\"Is Vs Are: When to Use Each\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.englishforward.com\/blog\/is-vs-are-when-to-use-each\/\" aria-label=\"More on Is Vs Are: When to Use Each\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1768,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_generate-full-width-content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[292],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1720","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-grammar","infinite-scroll-item","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Is Vs Are: When to Use Each - English Forward<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"When do you use &#039;is&#039; vs. &#039;are&#039;? 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