Even fluent English speakers sometimes pause when choosing between “are” and “is.” Why? Because while these tiny words seem simple, they carry the heavy responsibility of making sentences grammatically correct—and that’s where confusion often begins.
Both “are” and “is” are present-tense forms of the verb “to be,” yet they aren’t interchangeable. Choosing the right one depends entirely on the subject of the sentence, which is where many English learners—and even native speakers—make mistakes.
Whether you’re a student aiming for perfect English grammar, an ESL learner sharpening your skills, or a professional polishing a report, knowing the clear difference between “are” and “is” is essential for accurate, confident communication.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- The grammar basics of “are” and “is”
- The simple rule you need to remember
- A side-by-side table to compare them at a glance
- Real-life examples and common mistakes
- Interactive exercises and quizzes to test your understanding
- Bonus tips to master subject–verb agreement like a pro
By the end, you’ll never second-guess which one to use again. Let’s clear up the confusion—once and for all.
The Grammar Basics: What Do “Are” and “Is” Mean?
Definitions of “are” and “is”
Both “are” and “is” are present tense forms of the verb “to be”:
- “Is” is used with singular subjects.
- “Are” is used with plural subjects.
These verbs help describe a state of being or existence. For example:
- She is happy.
- They are ready.
Part of Speech: Present Tense Verbs
“Is” and “are” function as linking verbs, connecting the subject of a sentence to its complement (what you’re saying about the subject).
Use in Singular vs. Plural
- Use “is” with singular nouns: “The cat is sleeping.”
- Use “are” with plural nouns: “The cats are sleeping.”
Verb Agreement Rules
Subject-verb agreement means the verb must match the subject in number:
- Singular subject → singular verb (is)
- Plural subject → plural verb (are)
Difference Between Are and Is: Simple Rule You Should Know
When to Use “Is”
Use “is” when the subject is:
- A single person, place, thing, or idea
- An uncountable noun
Examples:
- He is a doctor.
- Water is essential.
When to Use “Are”
Use “are” when the subject is:
- More than one person, place, or thing (plural)
- “You” (even though “you” can refer to one person, it always takes “are”)
Examples:
- They are students.
- You are amazing.
Subject–Verb Agreement Chart
| Subject Type | Verb Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Singular | is | The book is interesting. |
| Plural | are | The books are interesting. |
| You | are | You are kind. |
| He/She/It | is | She is here. |
| We/They | are | They are ready. |
Common Exceptions & Confusing Cases
- “There is” vs. “There are”:
- “There is a problem.”
- “There are many options.”
- “You are” is always correct, even if “you” is singular.
Table Comparison: Are vs Is at a Glance
| Usage Type | “Is” Example | “Are” Example |
| Singular Subject | The dog is barking. | N/A |
| Plural Subject | N/A | The dogs are barking. |
| With “you” | N/A | You are helpful. |
| With “he/she/it” | She is sleeping. | N/A |
| With “we/they” | N/A | They are late. |
| Uncountable Noun | Milk is cold. | N/A |
| There is/are | There is a way. | There are ways. |
Examples of Are and Is in Real Sentences
Conversational Examples
- My brother is at school.
- The kids are outside.
Academic/Formal Examples
- Education is the foundation of success.
- The results are significant.
Correct vs. Incorrect Usage
- ❌ Incorrect: The players is tired.
- ✅ Correct: The players are tired.
- ❌ Incorrect: You is my friend.
- ✅ Correct: You are my friend.
Common Mistakes Learners Make with “Are” and “Is”
1. Overusing “is”
- Mistake: “The boys is playing.”
- Fix: “The boys are playing.”
2. Collective Nouns Confusion
- Mistake: “The team are winning.”
- US English Fix: “The team is winning.” (team = one group)
3. Inverted Sentence Structures
- Mistake: “Here is the books.”
- Fix: “Here are the books.”
Tips to Avoid Mistakes
- Identify the true subject first
- Practice with plural vs. singular nouns
- Read sentences aloud to check what sounds natural
Exercises of Are and Is (with Answers)
Fill in the Blanks:
- She ___ a teacher.
- They ___ playing football.
- My cat ___ sleeping.
- The children ___ noisy.
- It ___ raining.
Answer Key:
- is
- are
- is
- are
- is
Choose the Correct Verb:
- The books (is/are) on the table.
- My friend (is/are) very tall.
- The dogs (is/are) barking.
- This chair (is/are) broken.
- You (is/are) amazing.
Answers of the verb
- are
- is
- are
- is
- are
Example Quizzes on Are and Is: 5-Question Multiple Choice Quiz:
- Which is correct?
A) He are a doctor
B) He is a doctor
2. Choose the correct sentence:
A) They are happy
B) They is happy
3. Which sentence is right?
A) There is many books
B) There are many books
4. Pick the correct sentence:
A) The dog is barking
B) The dog are barking
5. Correct usage?
A) We is ready
B) We are ready
Answers
- B
- A
- B
- A
- B
Question Grammar Challenge:
Want more? Download our free Are vs. Is Grammar Quiz PDF with 10 challenging questions + answer key.
Give the test about Present Continuous that will help you to clear your concept about Are and Is
Bonus Tips: Improving Your Subject–Verb Agreement
- Always find the subject first to decide if it’s singular or plural
- Use tools like Grammarly or Quillbot to check your grammar
- Read your writing out loud to spot awkward sentences
- Practice with grammar apps or worksheets
Don’t miss knowing the related topics: Might VS Maybe
Difference between Might and Could
Conclusion: Master “Are vs Is” with Confidence
Understanding “are” vs “is” is essential for writing and speaking English correctly.
Remember:
- Use “is” with singular subjects
- Use “are” with plural subjects or “you”
Keep practicing, and soon it will come naturally.
Want more practice? Download our full worksheet or take the full online quiz now!
Got questions about grammar? Leave a comment below — we’re happy to help!
FAQ: Is VS Are
What is the difference between “are” and “is”?
“Is” is used with singular subjects. “Are” is used with plural subjects or the pronoun “you.”
Can “you” be used with “is”?
No. “You” always takes “are,” even if referring to one person. (e.g., You are smart.)
Are there exceptions to the “are vs is” rule?
Yes, especially with collective nouns (e.g., “The team is winning” in American English).
Why is “is” used with collective nouns?
In American English, collective nouns are usually treated as singular.
How can I remember when to use “are” and “is”?
Ask yourself: Is the subject one person/thing (use “is”) or more than one (use “are”)?