Is and Are- Understanding These Essential Verbs

What Are "Is" and "Are" Anyway?

Let's get one thing straight: is and are are forms of the verb to be. That's it. No fancy grammar terminology needed to understand the basics.

These two words do the heavy lifting in English. They connect subjects to descriptions, locations, and states of being. Without them, you'd sound like a robot from a bad 1950s movie.

The Verb "To Be" in Present Tense

English verbs change form depending on who or what you're talking about. The verb to be is irregular, which means it doesn't follow normal patterns.

Here's how it breaks down:

Notice the pattern? Is goes with singular third-person subjects. Are goes with plural subjects and the word "you."

When to Use "Is"

Use is when the subject is singular. This includes:

Examples in Sentences

He is tired today. That's one person, so is is correct.

That car is expensive. One car = singular = is.

My job is demanding. One job, so is it is.

When to Use "Are"

Use are with plural subjects and the pronoun "you."

Examples in Sentences

You are wrong. English speakers always use "are" with "you," even when talking to one person.

The kids are asleep. Multiple kids = plural = are.

We are going to the movies tonight.

The Subject-Verb Agreement Problem

This is where people mess up. The verb must match the subject, not the predicate (the part after the verb).

Look at this wrong sentence: "The problem are the timing."

That sounds wrong because "problem" is singular. It should be: "The problem is the timing."

Here's another trap: "My favorite part of the movie is the ending." Not "the endings." The subject is "part" (singular), so you need is.

Singular "They" Is Real Now

English has evolved. When referring to a single person whose gender is unknown or nonbinary, many writers use "they" with are.

"Someone are waiting for you." Wait—that's wrong. "Someone" is technically singular, so it takes is.

But: "A customer left their jacket. They are a regular." Here "they" refers to one person, but English speakers increasingly use are with this singular "they."

This usage is common and accepted in most style guides today. If it sounds natural to you, use it.

Contracted Forms You'll See Everywhere

In spoken English and informal writing, people rarely say "is" or "are" by themselves. Contractions dominate:

These forms show up constantly in text messages, emails, and casual blog posts. Native speakers use them without thinking.

Negatives and Questions

Forming negatives is straightforward with is and are:

For questions, invert the order:

Simple. No helping verbs needed.

Quick Reference Table

Subject Correct Verb Example
I am (not is/are) I am here.
You (singular or plural) are You are smart.
He, She, It is She is tall.
We, They are They are leaving.
Singular noun (one thing) is The book is interesting.
Plural noun (two or more) are The books are interesting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Matching the predicate instead of the subject

Wrong: "The quality of the products are poor."

Right: "The quality of the products is poor." The subject is "quality" (singular).

2. Mixing up uncountable nouns

Wrong: "The news are good today."

Right: "The news is good today." "News" looks plural but functions as singular.

3. Forgetting "you" always takes "are"

Wrong: "You is crazy."

Right: "You are crazy." Even when talking to one person.

How to Check Yourself

When you're unsure, try this trick: identify the subject of your sentence. If it's one thing, use is. If it's multiple things or you're addressing someone directly, use are.

Another method: replace the subject with a pronoun you know well. "The dog" becomes "it." "The dogs" becomes "they." Then check which verb sounds right.

The Bottom Line

Is pairs with singular subjects. Are pairs with plural subjects and "you." That's the core rule.

Everything else is just application. Read more, write more, and the correct usage will become second nature. Your ear for English will do most of the work if you stop overthinking it.