Are or Is: Which Is Correct? Simple English Grammar Rules & Examples

Choosing between are and is can be confusing because both words are forms of the verb to be, but they are used with different subjects.

Is is used with singular subjects, while are is used with plural subjects. The correct choice depends on, if you are talking about one person or thing, or more than one.

In this guide, you’ll learn the difference between are and is, the basic grammar rules, common mistakes, clear examples, memory tricks, and simple tips to help you use both words correctly in everyday English.

Quick Answer

Use is with singular subjects (he, she, it, one person, one thing) and use are with plural subjects (we, you, they, multiple people, or multiple things).

The only exception is the pronoun you, which always takes are, whether it refers to one person or many.

Are vs. Is Comparison Table

What Does “Is” Mean?

Is is the singular present-tense form of the verb to be.

Use is with:

• He
• She
• It
• This
• That
• Singular nouns
• Uncountable nouns

Examples

• Sarah is a doctor.
• The cat is sleeping.
• My laptop is new.
• The weather is beautiful.
• Milk is good for baking.

What Does “Are” Mean?

Are is the plural present-tense form of the verb to be.

Use are with:

• We
• You
• They
• Plural nouns

Examples

• They are ready.
• We are excited.
• The students are studying.
• These cookies are delicious.
• You are welcome.

Key Differences Between Are and Is

• Is goes with singular subjects.
• Are goes with plural subjects.
• You always take are, even when talking to one person.
• Collective nouns are usually singular in American English.
• Ignore words between the subject and the verb when choosing is or are.

Compare These Examples

• The dog is friendly.
• The dogs are friendly.
• My brother is home.
• My brothers are home.
• You are correct.
• She is correct.

Grammar Rules for Are and Is

1. Singular Subjects → Is

• The teacher is kind.
• My phone is ringing.

2. Plural Subjects → Are

• The teachers are helpful.
• My shoes are dirty.

3. The Pronoun “You”

Whether singular or plural:

• You are amazing.
• You are all invited.

Never write:

❌ You is welcome.

4. Collective Nouns

In American English, collective nouns are usually taken because the group is treated as one unit.

• The team is winning.
• The committee is meeting today.

In British English, plural agreement is also common when emphasizing individual members.

• The team are wearing their new uniforms.

5. Compound Subjects

Two subjects joined by and usually taken are.

• Jack and Emma are neighbors.

However, when two words refer to one thing:

• Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich.

6. There Is vs. There Are

Use the verb that matches the noun following it.

• There is one chair.
• There are three chairs.

When to Use Each Word

Academic Writing

• The hypothesis is correct.
• The results are significant.

Professional Writing

• The report is complete.
• The documents are attached.

Formal English

• Your application is under review.
• The applicants are eligible.

Informal English

• My phone is dead.
• We are almost there.

Business Writing

• The meeting is scheduled for Monday.
• The invoices are ready.

Emails

• Your request is being processed.
• The files are included below.

Daily Conversation

• Dinner is ready.
• My parents are coming tonight.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Using “Are” with a Singular Subject

❌ My brother are home.

✅ My brother is home.

Mistake 2: Using “Is” with a Plural Subject

❌ The children is outside.

✅ The children are outside.

Mistake 3: Matching the Wrong Noun

❌ The box of pencils are missing.

✅ The box of pencils is missing.

The subject is box, not pencils.

Mistake 4: Forgetting That “You” Takes “Are”

❌ You is correct.

✅ You are correct.

Original Examples

1. My teacher is absent today.
2. The employees are attending a training session.
3. This investment is profitable.
4. Our customers are satisfied with the service.
5. The novel is fascinating from beginning to end.
6. The headlines are surprising this morning.
7. Your latest post is getting lots of attention.
8. My grandparents are visiting this weekend.
9. Every answer is carefully checked before submission.
10. These instructions are easy to follow.

Memory Trick

Remember this simple rule:

• One = Is
• More than one = Are

Also remember:

You always take are.

Think:

• I am
• He is
• We are

These three forms cover almost every present-tense sentence with the verb to be.

Mini Quiz

1. Which sentence is correct?

A. The flowers is beautiful.

B. The flowers are beautiful.

C. The flowers am beautiful.

Answer: B

2. Which verb fits?

The computer ___ working.

A. are

B. is

C. am

Answer: B

3. Which sentence is correct?

A. You is late.

B. You are late.

C. You am late.

Answer: B

4. Which sentence is correct?

A. The books are on the shelf.

B. The books is on the shelf.

C. The books am on the shelf.

Answer: A

5. Choose the correct sentence.

A. My family is eating dinner.

B. My family are eating dinner. (Possible in British English.)

Best answer in American English: A

FAQ

1. When should I use is instead of are?

Use is with singular nouns, singular pronouns, and most uncountable nouns.

If you’re talking about one person, one object, or one idea, is is usually the correct choice.

2. Why do you always take are?

Modern English uses are with you whether it refers to one person or several.

This rule developed historically and remains standard in both American and British English.

3. Is family or family are correct?

In American English, family is is standard because family is treated as one unit. In British English, family are is also acceptable when emphasizing individual members.

4. How do I know whether to use there is or there are?

Match the verb to the noun that follows it. Use there is for singular nouns and there are for plural nouns.

5. Can a sentence start with is or are?

Yes. Questions often begin with these verbs, such as Is she coming? or Are they ready? They can also begin sentences for emphasis in certain formal or literary styles.

Key Takeaways

• Is is used with singular subjects.
• Are is used with plural subjects.
• You always take are.
• Match the verb with the true subject, not a nearby noun.
• Use there is for singular nouns and there are for plural nouns.
• Collective nouns are usually singular in American English.
• Compound subjects joined by and usually taken are.

Conclusion

Choosing between are and is becomes simple once you identify the subject of the sentence.

If the subject is singular, use is. If it is plural, use are.

Keep special cases like you, collective nouns, and there is/there are in mind, and you’ll avoid the most common grammar mistakes with confidence.

Read More Post

• Apart or A Part: Which One Is Correct (2026)?
• Past or Passed: What is the Difference and Which Is Correct?
• Whose or Who’s: Learn the Difference With Simple Examples

William Strunk

William Strunk is a respected authority on English grammar, usage, and writing style, known for his influential work The Elements of Style. At EduNexxa, his focus is on clear, concise, and effective English.