Is vs. Are: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 17, 2024
"Is" is a singular form of the verb 'to be,' used with singular subjects; "are" is the plural form, used with plural subjects or the pronoun "you."
Key Differences
Is is used with a singular subject in the present tense, as in "He is a doctor." It denotes a state of being or existence for a single entity. Are, in contrast, is used with plural subjects, as in "They are friends," indicating a state or action related to multiple entities.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
In questions, is typically precedes a singular noun or pronoun, such as "Is the cat hungry?" This form is essential for correct grammatical structure in singular queries. Are, however, is used in questions involving plural nouns or pronouns, for example, "Are the dogs playing outside?" ensuring grammatical agreement in plural contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Is also pairs with singular indefinite pronouns like "each," "each one," "either," "neither," "everyone," "someone," as in "Everyone is invited." These pronouns, despite implying more than one entity, are grammatically singular. Are is used with plural indefinite pronouns like "few," "many," "several," as in "Several are available," which are grammatically treated as plural.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
In the case of collective nouns, is can be used when the collective noun is treated as a single unit, like "The team is winning." Here, the focus is on the team as one entity. Are is used when the collective noun is considered as multiple individuals, as in "The team are wearing their new uniforms," focusing on the members of the team.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Is also appears in contractions such as "he's" or "it's," where it denotes possession or a state of being. Are forms contractions like "they're" or "you're," indicating a plural or second-person possession or state.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Subject Type
Singular nouns or pronouns
Plural nouns, pronouns, and the pronoun "you"
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Feb 17, 2024
Question Formation
Precedes singular nouns/pronouns
Precedes plural nouns/pronouns
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Feb 17, 2024
Indefinite Pronouns
Pairs with singular (e.g., "everyone," "someone")
Pairs with plural (e.g., "few," "many")
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Feb 17, 2024
Collective Nouns
When the group is considered as a single unit
When focusing on individual members of a group
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Feb 17, 2024
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Is and Are Definitions
Is
Denotes existence or state of being for singular subjects.
The cat is sleeping.
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Jan 16, 2024
Are
Indicates a state or action for plural subjects or the pronoun "you."
The children are playing in the park.
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Jan 16, 2024
Is
Forms contractions with pronouns and nouns, indicating possession or state.
It's raining outside.
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Jan 16, 2024
Are
Appears in contractions indicating a state or possession for plural subjects.
They're going to the concert tonight.
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Jan 16, 2024
Is
Used for singular third-person present tense of 'to be.'
She is a talented artist.
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Jan 16, 2024
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Are
Used for plural present tense of the verb 'to be.'
They are studying for their exams.
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Jan 16, 2024
Are
Second person singular and plural and first and third person plural present indicative of be.
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Jan 15, 2024
Is
Used in phrases with existential there when the semantic subject is a third-person plural.
There is three of them there.
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Jan 15, 2024
Is
The third person singular of the substantive verb be, in the indicative mood, present tense; as, he is; he is a man. See Be.
For thy is I come, and eke Alain.
Aye is thou merry.
To-morrow is the new moon.
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Jan 15, 2024
Are
(rare) An accepted (but deprecated and rarely used) metric unit of area equal to 100 square metres, or a former unit of approximately the same extent. Symbol: a.
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Jan 15, 2024
Are
The present indicative plural of the substantive verb to be; but etymologically a different word from be, or was. Am, art, are, and is, all come from the root as.
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Jan 15, 2024
Are
The unit of superficial measure, being a square of which each side is ten meters in length; 100 square meters, or about 119.6 square yards.
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Jan 15, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
In what context do I use 'are'?
Use 'are' with plural subjects or the pronoun "you."
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
How does 'is' function in a contraction?
'Is' forms contractions like "he's" or "it's," often indicating possession or state.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
What is the role of 'are' in contractions?
'Are' forms contractions like "they're" or "you're," used for plural subjects.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Can 'is' and 'are' be interchangeable?
No, they are not interchangeable as they correspond to different subject numbers.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Is 'is' used with collective nouns?
Yes, when the collective noun is treated as a single unit.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Can 'are' be used with indefinite pronouns?
Yes, but only with plural indefinite pronouns like "many" or "several."
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
How do I use 'is' in a question?
Place 'is' before a singular noun or pronoun in interrogative sentences.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
What is an example of 'are' in a question?
An example would be, "Are the dogs fed?"
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Feb 17, 2024
How do I decide between 'is' and 'are' for collective nouns?
It depends on whether the group is seen as one unit (is) or as individuals (are).
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
When should I use 'is' in a sentence?
Use 'is' with singular subjects or third-person singular pronouns.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Is 'are' appropriate for formal writing?
Yes, 'are' is appropriate and necessary for correct grammar in plural contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Can 'is' ever be used with plural subjects?
No, 'is' is exclusively for singular subjects.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Are there exceptions to using 'are' with singular subjects?
Generally no, except in cases of plural nouns or the pronoun "you."
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Can 'is' be used with the pronoun 'you'?
No, use 'are' with the pronoun 'you,' regardless of its singular or plural reference.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
What happens if I mistakenly use 'is' instead of 'are'?
The sentence will have a grammatical error, affecting its correctness and possibly its meaning.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Are there dialects or varieties of English where 'is' and 'are' are used differently?
Some dialects may have variations, but standard rules generally apply across English dialects.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Do 'is' and 'are' have the same meaning?
They convey similar meanings but differ based on the number of the subject.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Can I use 'is' with a name that represents a group?
Yes, if the group is treated as a single entity.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
How does the meaning change when using 'is' instead of 'are'?
Using 'is' changes the subject from plural to singular.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
Can 'are' be used in a singular sense in any context?
Typically no, except in informal or colloquial language, which might not follow standard grammar rules.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 17, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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