Use is with singular subjects and are with plural subjects, while accounting for compound subjects, conjunctions, indefinite pronouns, and inverted word order. This guide explains subject-verb agreement so you can confidently choose is or are in any sentence. Readers will see rules, examples, and fixes for frequent mistakes, enabling reliable, correct usage in everyday and professional writing.
Core Rules for When to Use Are or Is
The verb is pairs with singular nouns and pronouns (he, she, it, this, that, each, anybody). The verb are pairs with plural nouns and pronouns (we, you, they, these, those). The simplest test is to identify the true subject, ignore intervening phrases, and confirm number agreement. For example: The cat is (singular) versus The cats are (plural). Correct subject identification prevents most errors.
Subjects Joined by And
Two or more singular nouns joined by and usually take are because the compound subject is plural. Bread and butter are on the table. However, if the joined words describe a single idea or unit, is may be used: Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich. Meaning and unity determine the verb choice.
Indefinite Pronouns and Either/Neither
Indefinite pronouns such as someone, anybody, everyone, each, neither, either, and one typically take is. For example: Neither of the options is clear; Everyone is welcome. Phrases like one of the preceding a relative clause signal plural: One of the authors who are speaking. Precision in identifying the head noun prevents mistakes.
Common Structures That Affect Are or Is
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Inverted sentence order can obscure the subject-verb link. With questions and conditionals, place the verb before the subject: Is the report ready? and Are you coming?. After expressions like there or here, the verb agrees with the subject that follows: There are cars and Here is the key. Recognizing these structures helps you apply are or is correctly.
Prepositional Phrases and Clauses Between Subject and Verb
Ignore words and phrases that intervene between subject and verb. In The box of chocolates is on the table, the true subject is box, not chocolates, so is is required. Similarly, in The list of items are incorrect, the subject is list, so it should be The list is incorrect. Stripping modifiers reveals the subject’s number.
Collective Nouns: Singular or Plural?
Collective nouns such as team, family, staff, and committee can be tricky. In American English, these are typically singular and take is: The committee is meeting. In contexts emphasizing individuals, the plural are is possible: The team are arguing about strategy. Style and emphasis guide the choice between singular and plural agreement.
Subject-Verb Agreement in Practice: Quick Examples
Below are common patterns that clarify when to use are or is. These examples show the structure, the agreed verb, and why the choice fits the subject’s number.
| Structure or Pattern | Verb Used | Why This Fits |
|---|---|---|
| He / she / it + verb | is | Singular third-person subject |
| I / you / we / they + verb | are | Plural or second-person subject |
| Each / either / neither + noun | is | Indefinite pronouns treated as singular |
| One of the + plural noun + clause | are | Relative clause refers to plural members |
| Plural noun joined by and (single entity) | is | Unit concept takes singular verb |
| Plural noun joined by and (separate items) | are | Multiple distinct subjects take plural verb |
Advanced Scenarios and Edge Cases
Some constructions require careful analysis. With measurements, sums of money, and periods treated as units, is is typical: Twenty dollars is enough. When the plural emphasis is intended, use are: Twenty dollars are scattered on the floor. Fractions and percentages follow the same logic: Fifty percent of the vote is needed; Fifty percent of the voters are undecided. Data points like the data are (plural) or the data is (singular) reflect different disciplinary conventions; in technical writing, follow your domain norms.
Titles, Organizations, and Expressions of Amount
Organizations and book titles usually take is: Acme Inc. is listed on the index. Expressions denoting quantity, distance, or time can be singular or plural based on emphasis: Half of the cake is gone (one portion) versus Half of the slices are gone (multiple pieces). Clarity about whether you emphasize the whole or the parts guides are or is.
News Headlines and Informal Usage
Headlines sometimes drop are for brevity: Candidates Ready for Debate instead of Candidates are ready for debate. While acceptable in journalism, standard prose should retain the verb. In formal and professional contexts, supply the full verb to ensure precision and readability.
Practical Checks to Choose Are or Is
Use these steps to decide consistently:
- Identify the true subject by removing prepositional phrases and nonessential clauses.
- Determine whether the subject is singular or plural.
- Match the verb form: is for singular, are for plural.
- Check for special cases such as compound subjects joined by and, collective nouns, and indefinite pronouns.
- Read the sentence aloud; awkward sound often signals a mismatch.
Why These Rules Matter
Consistent subject-verb agreement improves clarity, credibility, and professionalism. Errors can distract readers and obscure meaning, especially in formal documents, client communications, and public-facing content. Mastery of when to use are or is reduces ambiguity and supports precise communication across written English.