Is vs Are: Understanding the Difference
Introduction to Is and Are
In English grammar, “is” and “are” are two forms of the verb “to be.” The verb “to be” is a linking verb that connects the subject of a sentence to a complement, which is either a noun, pronoun, or adjective that provides information about the subject.
The form “is” is used with singular subjects, such as “he,” “she,” or “it.” For example, “He is a doctor,” “She is reading a book,” or “It is raining outside.”
The form “are” is used with plural subjects, such as “they,” “we,” or “the cats.” For example, “They are my friends,” “We are going to the beach,” or “The cats are sleeping on the couch.”
Understanding when to use “is” and “are” correctly is important in constructing clear and grammatically correct sentences.
When to Use Is
The form “is” is used with singular subjects, which include:
Third-person singular pronouns, such as “he,” “she,” and “it.” For example: “She is a talented musician.”
Singular nouns that refer to a single person, animal, thing, or idea. For example: “The book is on the table.”
Singular nouns that are considered uncountable, such as “water,” “love,” or “happiness.” For example: “Happiness is a state of mind.”
When referring to time, “is” is used with singular nouns that refer to a period of time, such as “a year” or “an hour.” For example: “It is ten o’clock in the morning.”
When referring to a situation, “is” is used to express a state or condition. For example: “My sister is tired today.”
By paying attention to the subject of the sentence and using “is” correctly, you can construct grammatically correct sentences that convey your intended meaning.
When to Use Are
The form “are” is used with plural subjects, which include:
Third-person plural pronouns, such as “they” or “them.” For example: “They are good at sports.”
Plural nouns that refer to more than one person, animal, thing, or idea. For example: “The books are on the shelf.”
When referring to time, “are” is used with plural nouns that refer to a period of time, such as “years” or “hours.” For example: “There are 24 hours in a day.”
When referring to a situation, “are” is used to express a state or condition that applies to more than one subject. For example: “My friends are happy to see me.”
When making a statement about a group of people or things, “are” is used. For example: “The trees in the park are tall.”
By paying attention to the subject of the sentence and using “are” correctly, you can construct grammatically correct sentences that convey your intended meaning.
Common Errors with Is and Are
One of the most common errors when using “is” and “are” is using the wrong form of the verb with the subject of the sentence. Some examples of this include:
Using “is” with plural subjects: “The cats is sleeping on the couch” (should be “are sleeping”).
Using “are” with singular subjects: “My mom is always on time for meetings” (should be “is always on time”).
Forgetting to use “is” or “are” altogether: “The flowers in the garden beautiful” (should be “The flowers in the garden are beautiful”).
Confusing contractions: “There’s many reasons why I love my job” (should be “There are many reasons why I love my job”).
To avoid these common errors, it’s important to carefully consider the subject of the sentence and choose the appropriate form of “is” or “are.” Additionally, proofreading your writing can help catch any mistakes before they’re published or submitted.
Practice Exercises to Improve Your Usage of Is and Are
One of the best ways to improve your usage of “is” and “are” is through practice exercises. Here are some examples you can try:
Write five sentences using “is” and five sentences using “are” correctly with different subjects.
Identify the correct form of “is” or “are” to complete the sentence: “My family _____ going to the beach this weekend.” (Answer: are)
Rewrite the sentence with the correct form of “is” or “are”: “The dogs in the park is barking loudly.” (Answer: The dogs in the park are barking loudly.)
Identify the error in the sentence and rewrite it with the correct form of “is” or “are”: “There’s three cookies left on the plate.” (Error: using contraction “there’s” instead of “there are”; Corrected sentence: “There are three cookies left on the plate.”)
Write a paragraph about your favorite hobby, using “is” and “are” correctly throughout the paragraph.
By practicing using “is” and “are” correctly, you can become more comfortable and confident in your writing and speaking.
