Is or are: how to use the verbs grammatically correctly?

What is the best form to use in a specific case? What suits a specific sentence better, is or are? In English, there are two forms of the word “to be” that can be used after nouns; they are is or are. Check out a detailed guide on how to use them, with all the exceptions and specific uses. 

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Is or are: which form to choose

When it comes to the choice of the proper verb form, it is indispensable to start with the basics. According to Britannica, the noun-verb agreement should be taken into account first. Besides, there is a simple rule about the use of the verb “to be” in a singular and plural form. 

Singular vs. plural

According to the rules, the verb “is” is used for the nouns in a singular form. When talking about plural nouns, the verb “are” is applied. 

The verb “to be” in the present tense

When it comes to present tenses, it is important to know when to use is and are. When you need to use the verb “to be” in Present Simple or Present Continuous, a simple rule should be applied. 

• “Is” is used after nouns and pronouns in singular form.
• “Are” is used after plural noun and pronoun forms. 

Is vs. are: special cases of the use

When you decide if you need to use is or are, focus on various aspects that may predetermine the necessary verb form. Check out multiple special cases when to use is or are. 

“Is” with singular collective nouns

A collective noun applies to a group of people that are treated as a single entity. For example, the word committee is a collective noun that has a singular form. Therefore, the “is” form is used for collective nouns. 

For example: “The audience is very attentive.”

“Are” with collective nouns

Sometimes, a collective noun can take the “are” form when the writer intentionally wants to emphasize the separate members of the group. 

For example: “The group are keeping secrets.”

Mass nouns

Mass nouns, which are also known as noncount nous, resemble collective words. They define things that cannot be counted. Items like water, sand, and similar things are called mass and take “is” form. 

For example: The water is too cold to swim.

Compound subjects

There are sentences with compound subjects, which means two subjects are connected with the word “and.” In most instances, there are a few singular elements joined together. What form of the verb “to be” should be used in such instances? As the subjects are used together, forming a plural form, the verb “are” should be the choice. 

For example: Lisa and Mark are going to work together. 

Is or are: common phrases with the verbs

Although you are already aware of diverse instances in which to use the proper forms of the verb, you should still pay attention to numerous exceptions. There are instances, when comparing is vs. are is critical. Keep reading to learn about the specific instances of the verb use. 

There is vs. there are

Is it still complicated for you to compare is vs. are? Do you have to search for the right form in the dictionary? Here is another tip that will simplify your task and will help you succeed with your paper writing. 

When it comes to the choice between is and are in phrases with “there,” you need to analyze the noun or a phrase that comes after it. If the subject is used in singular form, then “there is” is required.

Example: There is a sofa in the living room.

At the same time, if the noun after the phrase is used in plural form, the “are” form of the verb should be inserted. 

Example: There are lots of situations that require expert assistance. 

“A number of” with “is” or “are”

If you doubt using is or are in a sentence with collecting phrases, like a number of, a group of, a bunch of, and similar, you need to mind a few important details. Although it may seem that the phrase is used in the singular, the word used after it is in the plural. So, what form should be used? Are they interchangeable? 

The best way to explain it is by using the “number of” phrase. In this case, the meaning of the phrase is “several,” and the plural form should be used after it. Some people may argue about this, but it is the rule that cannot be changed. Thus, “a number of students are trying to get ready for the exam” is the correct sentence. 

However, when it comes to other collecting phrases, the situation may differ a bit, depending on the emphasis that is placed. If you consider a group of people like a unity, the form “is” can be used. Thus, in the sentence “the group of students is working on the project,” the grammatical form of the verb “to be” is correct. Besides talking about the pain of things, you can use “is.”

Is and are: extra tips 

What are the differences between is vs. are? How is it possible to compare these two verb forms? How can a student learn to distinguish the forms? Are there any similarities in is vs. are forms?

If you happen to process the information specified above, you are likely to have no problems with the choice. The most common instances have been described with examples. Of course, it may not be enough for some people, which means qualified assistance will be needed. Check out a few extra recommendations on how to is and are.

• Remember the basic rule that claims that “is” is a singular form, while “are” is plural. 
• Read a few sentence examples to understand the usage of the verb the best. 
• Get professional assistance if it is still complicated for you to make the right choice. 

Conclusion

Is and are are the singular and plural forms of the verb “to be.” In the overwhelming majority of instances, they are used accordingly, which means “is” is applied for the nouns in a singular form, while “are” for plural. However, there might be confusing situations when it is complicated to make the right choice. Mind the details specified above and stay consistent in working on your papers. 

If the rules still sound too challenging, find a reliable and time-tested platform where you can pay for essay. Entrust your academic success to professionals, and worry about nothing. Excellent paper with flawless grammar and correct usage of its forms is guaranteed.