Subject Verb Agreement Are and Is

Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental concept in English grammar. It is essential to ensure that the subject and the verb agree in number (singular or plural) to avoid grammatical errors. One of the most common mistakes in subject-verb agreement is the confusion between «are» and «is.» In this article, we will explore the difference between «are» and «is,» and provide some examples for better understanding.

«Are» is a plural verb that refers to multiple subjects. For example, «The dogs are barking» — «dogs» is a plural noun, and «are» is a plural verb that agrees with the subject. Another example is «My friends are coming over» — «friends» is a plural noun, and «are» is a plural verb that agrees with the subject.

On the other hand, «is» is a singular verb that refers to a single subject. For instance, «The cat is sleeping» — «cat» is a singular noun, and «is» is a singular verb that agrees with the subject. Another example is «The book is on the table» — «book» is a singular noun, and «is» is a singular verb that agrees with the subject.

It is crucial to note that the subject-verb agreement requires consistent use of either plural or singular verbs. The verb «are,» for example, cannot be used with a singular subject, and «is» cannot be used with a plural subject. For instance, «The dog are barking» is incorrect and should be «The dog is barking.» Similarly, «My friend is coming over» is correct, while «My friend are coming over» is incorrect.

In more complex sentences, it is essential to identify the subject and ensure that the verb agrees with it. For example, «A group of students are studying for their exams» — «students» is a plural noun, and «are» is a plural verb, agreeing with the subject. In contrast, «The group of students is studying for their exams» — «group» is a singular noun, and «is» is a singular verb that agrees with the subject.

In summary, subject-verb agreement is an essential aspect of English grammar. Understanding when to use «are» and «is» is crucial to avoid grammatical errors. Remember that «are» is used with plural subjects, while «is» is used with singular subjects. By keeping this rule in mind, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct.