Understanding the Plural Form of “Is”: Grammar Rules, Usage, and Examples

The verb “is” stands as one of the most fundamental linking verbs in English grammar. It forms part of the verb “to be,” which acts as a bridge between the subject and further information about the subject. Mastering the correct use of “is” and its plural forms is crucial for clear and accurate communication.

Subject-verb agreement, especially with “is” and its plural counterpart “are,” is a core concept in English. Yet, confusion often arises—particularly for ESL learners—because English has irregular verbs, exceptions, and tricky cases like compound subjects, indefinite pronouns, or collective nouns.

Whether you are writing essays, taking standardized tests, speaking professionally, or simply aiming for fluent conversation, understanding how and when to use the plural form of “is” will significantly improve your English. This article provides a comprehensive guide, including definitions, grammar rules, clear examples, special cases, common errors, and plenty of practice exercises.

This article is designed for students at all levels, ESL learners, teachers, and anyone wanting to sharpen their English grammar. Here’s what you will learn:

What “is” means and its grammatical forms
The concept of plural in grammar
Rules for subject-verb agreement with “is” and “are”
Usage patterns, exceptions, and advanced cases
40+ diverse examples and 8+ visual tables
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Practice exercises with answers and explanations
Frequently asked learner questions addressed in detail

Definition Section
Structural Breakdown
Types or Categories
Examples Section
Usage Rules
Common Mistakes
Practice Exercises
Advanced Topics
FAQ Section
Conclusion

3. DEFINITION SECTION

3.1. What is “Is” in English Grammar?

“Is” is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb “to be”. It functions as a linking verb, connecting the subject to a subject complement (such as a noun, adjective, or phrase that describes or identifies the subject). In addition, “is” can serve as an auxiliary (helping) verb in forming continuous tenses and passive voice.

Forms of the Verb “To Be”
Base Form	Present (1st Person)	Present (2nd Person)	Present (3rd Person)	Past (Singular)	Past (Plural)	Other Forms
be	am	are	is	was	were	being, been

For example:

He is a teacher.
The weather is nice today.

3.2. The Concept of Plural in Grammar

In English, singular means “one,” and plural means “more than one.” Verbs must agree with the number of their subject—this is called subject-verb agreement. For instance, “The dog is barking” (one dog) versus “The dogs are barking” (more than one dog).

3.3. Plural Form of “Is”

The plural present tense form of “is” is “are”. Use “is” with singular subjects and “are” with plural subjects. For example:

The apple is red. (singular)
The apples are red. (plural)

In the past tense, the plural form of “was” (the past of “is”) is “were” (more details later).

4. STRUCTURAL BREAKDOWN

4.1. Subject-Verb Agreement with “Is” and “Are”

Rule: Use “is” with singular subjects and “are” with plural subjects. See the table below:

Subject-Verb Agreement Examples
Singular Subject + “is”	Plural Subject + “are”
The child is tired.	The children are tired.
This book is interesting.	These books are interesting.
My friend is here.	My friends are here.
The dog is barking.	The dogs are barking.

4.2. Patterns of Usage

Simple Present Tense: Use “is” for singular, “are” for plural.

Negative Form: Add “not” after “is” or “are.”

Interrogative Form: Place “is” or “are” at the beginning of the question.

Affirmative, Negative, and Interrogative Structures
Structure	Singular	Plural	Example
Affirmative	The cat is hungry.	The cats are hungry.	Affirmative
Negative	The cat is not hungry.	The cats are not hungry.	Negative
Interrogative	Is the cat hungry?	Are the cats hungry?	Question

4.3. Agreement with Indefinite Pronouns

Some pronouns always take a singular verb, even though they refer to groups, while others take a plural verb. For example, everyone, someone, nobody are singular; many, few, several are plural.

Indefinite Pronouns and Verb Agreement
Pronoun	Verb	Example
Everyone	is	Everyone is ready.
No one	is	No one is available.
Many	are	Many are missing.
Several	are	Several are absent.

4.4. Compound Subjects

When two or more subjects are joined by and, use “are” because the subject is now plural. However, if the compound refers to a single entity or idea, use “is.”

My brother and sister are coming. (two people)
Bread and butter is my favorite breakfast. (one idea)

4.5. Collective Nouns and Contextual Plurality

Collective nouns (e.g., team, family, committee) can take “is” or “are” depending on whether the group acts as a single unit or individuals. In American English, collective nouns usually take “is.” In British English, they may take “are” when the group is seen as individuals.

The team is winning. (AmE: as a unit)
The team are arguing among themselves. (BrE: as individuals)

5. TYPES OR CATEGORIES

5.1. Present Tense: “Is” vs. “Are”

The present tense is the main context for “is” and “are.” Use “is” with singular, “are” with plural subjects.

This student is absent. (singular)
These students are absent. (plural)

5.2. Past Tense: “Was” vs. “Were”

In the past tense, “is” becomes “was” (singular), and “are” becomes “were” (plural). See the table:

“Was” vs. “Were” in the Past Tense
Subject	Singular	Plural
He/She/It	was	—
They/We/You	—	were

He was late.
They were late.

In subjunctive or conditional moods, “be” is used, and “were” is often used even with singular subjects for hypothetical or formal situations.

Subjunctive Forms
Subject	Verb Form	Example
If I/he/she/it	were	If I were you, I would study.
If we/they	were	If they were here, we would start.

5.4. Plural Forms in Questions and Negatives

When forming questions or negatives, the verb still needs to agree with the subject. For example:

Are the children playing?
The books are not on the table.

6. EXAMPLES SECTION

6.1. Simple Sentences with “Is” and “Are”

Here are basic examples contrasting singular and plural uses:

Table 1: Singular vs. Plural Sentences
Singular (“is”)	Plural (“are”)
The dog is happy.	The dogs are happy.
This apple is green.	These apples are green.
My sister is at home.	My sisters are at home.
The man is tall.	The men are tall.
The teacher is busy.	The teachers are busy.
The car is new.	The cars are new.
The child is asleep.	The children are asleep.
That bird is loud.	Those birds are loud.
The light is on.	The lights are on.
The cake is delicious.	The cakes are delicious.

6.2. Agreement with Different Subject Types

Let’s see a variety of subjects:

Table 2: Subject Types and Correct Verb Forms
Subject Type	Example with “is”	Example with “are”
People	My mother is kind.	My parents are kind.
Animals	The lion is strong.	The lions are strong.
Objects	The chair is broken.	The chairs are broken.
Places	The city is beautiful.	The cities are beautiful.
Collective Noun	The team is ready. (AmE)	The team are arguing. (BrE)
Indefinite Pronoun	Everyone is here.	Many are here.
Abstract Noun	Success is important.	Achievements are important.

6.3. Questions and Negatives

Here are examples using questions and negatives:

Is your friend coming?
Are your friends coming?
The book is not on the shelf.
The books are not on the shelf.
Is the light on?
Are the lights on?
Is there a problem?
Are there any problems?
Is the teacher absent?
Are the teachers absent?
Is anyone home?
Are any students present?

6.4. Compound and Collective Subjects

Examples with compound subjects or collectives:

My sister and brother are coming to dinner.
Rice and beans is my favorite dish. (single idea)
My teacher and mentor is retiring. (one person with two roles)
The jury is deciding the verdict. (group as a unit)
The jury are taking their seats. (group as individuals, BrE)

6.5. Advanced/Tricky Examples

These examples feature prepositional phrases, inverted order, or complex subjects.

Table 3: Complex Examples with Explanations
Sentence	Explanation
The bouquet of flowers is beautiful.	Singular subject: “bouquet”
The results of the tests are surprising.	Plural subject: “results”
Here are the keys you lost.	Subject (“keys”) comes after verb; “are” matches “keys”
There is a dog in the yard.	Singular subject: “a dog”
There are several options available.	Plural subject: “options”
Neither the teacher nor the students are present.	Closest subject (“students”) is plural, so use “are”
One of my friends is here.	Subject is “one”, so “is”
My family, including my parents, is supportive.	Subject is “family”, a collective noun (unit)

6.6. Past Tense Comparisons

The cat was hungry. / The cats were hungry.
My friend was absent. / My friends were absent.
The child was playing. / The children were playing.
The city was quiet. / The cities were quiet.
He was ready. / They were ready.

6.7. Subjunctive and Conditional Sentences

If I were you, I would apologize.
If she were taller, she could reach the shelf.
If he were here, he would know what to do.
If they were interested, they would join us.
If we were ready, we could start now.

7. USAGE RULES

7.1. The Basic Rule: Agreement in Number

Singular subject + “is”
Plural subject + “are”

Examples:

The student is in the classroom.
The students are in the classroom.

7.2. Special Cases: Group and Collective Nouns

Collective nouns (e.g., team, family, staff, committee) can be singular or plural depending on meaning and region.

Table 4: Collective Nouns with Singular/Plural Usage
Collective Noun	Singular (Unit)	Plural (Individuals)
Family	The family is going on vacation.	The family are arguing about the trip. (BrE)
Team	The team is winning.	The team are wearing their new shirts. (BrE)
Committee	The committee is meeting today.	The committee are divided on the issue. (BrE)
Staff	The staff is helpful.	The staff are working late. (BrE)

7.3. Indefinite Pronouns and Quantifiers

Singular: everyone, someone, nobody, each, every, anybody, no one, nothing, everything
Plural: many, few, both, several
Depends on noun: all, some, most, none, any

Examples:

Everyone is invited.
Many are missing.
Some of the cake is gone. / Some of the cookies are gone.

7.4. Exceptions and Regional Variations

British English often uses “are” with collective nouns when referring to individuals.
American English usually treats collective nouns as singular (“is”).
Informal speech may sometimes ignore strict rules, but formal writing should follow standard agreement.

7.5. Compound and Complex Subjects

Use “are” when subjects are joined by and, unless they refer to a single entity or idea. With “or/nor”, the verb agrees with the nearest subject.

Table 5: Compound Subject Constructions
Compound Subject	Correct Verb	Example
My sister and brother	are	My sister and brother are here.
Rice and beans (dish)	is	Rice and beans is delicious.
Neither my friend nor my parents	are	Neither my friend nor my parents are available.
Either the teachers or the student	is	Either the teachers or the student is wrong.

7.6. Inverted Sentences and Emphatic Structures

When the subject follows the verb, such as in “there is/are” constructions, match the verb to the real subject.

There is a book on the table.
There are books on the table.
Here is the information you requested.
Here are the documents you asked for.

8. COMMON MISTAKES

8.1. Singular Subject with “Are”

Incorrect: The dog are barking. Correct: The dog is barking.
Incorrect: My mother are home. Correct: My mother is home.
Incorrect: This book are interesting. Correct: This book is interesting.
Incorrect: The car are fast. Correct: The car is fast.
Incorrect: The apple are red. Correct: The apple is red.

8.2. Plural Subject with “Is”

Incorrect: The cats is hungry. Correct: The cats are hungry.
Incorrect: My friends is here. Correct: My friends are here.
Incorrect: The children is tired. Correct: The children are tired.
Incorrect: The apples is green. Correct: The apples are green.
Incorrect: The cars is new. Correct: The cars are new.

8.3. Mistakes with Indefinite Pronouns

Incorrect: Everyone are happy. Correct: Everyone is happy.
Incorrect: Somebody are calling. Correct: Somebody is calling.
Incorrect: Each of the boys are present. Correct: Each of the boys is present.

8.4. Errors with Compound Subjects

Incorrect: My friend and brother is here. Correct: My friend and brother are here.
Incorrect: Rice and beans are my favorite. Correct: Rice and beans is my favorite. (if one dish)

8.5. Issues with Collective Nouns

Incorrect (AmE): The team are practicing. Correct (AmE): The team is practicing.
Correct (BrE): The team are playing well.

8.6. Negative and Interrogative Confusion

Incorrect: Are there a problem? Correct: Is there a problem?
Incorrect: Is the books on the table? Correct: Are the books on the table?

8.7. Table 6: Common Mistakes Summary Table

Table 6: Common Mistakes and Corrections
Incorrect	Correct
The cat are sleeping.	The cat is sleeping.
The dogs is barking.	The dogs are barking.
Everyone are here.	Everyone is here.
My sister and brother is tall.	My sister and brother are tall.
My family are going. (AmE)	My family is going. (AmE)
Is there any problems?	Are there any problems?
Is the apples ripe?	Are the apples ripe?

9. PRACTICE EXERCISES

9.1. Fill-in-the-Blank: “Is” or “Are”?

The dogs ___ barking loudly.
This book ___ very interesting.
My friends ___ coming over tonight.
The light ___ on in the hallway.
There ___ many students absent today.
The teacher ___ explaining the lesson.
Where ___ the keys?
My family ___ supportive.
Neither the manager nor the workers ___ happy.
The apples ___ not ripe yet.

9.2. Error Correction

The books is on the table.
Everyone are ready for the trip.
My friend and brother is here.
There is many reasons for this mistake.
The dog are sleeping in the sun.
Somebody are at the door.
The team are practicing. (AmE)
Is the students present?
Each of the boys are excited.
The results of the exams is surprising.

9.3. Sentence Identification

For each sentence, identify if the subject-verb agreement is correct or incorrect:

The children are playing outside.
The cat are chasing the mouse.
There is a book on the desk.
My parents is traveling to Canada.
Everyone is invited to the party.

9.4. Sentence Construction

Write your own sentences using “is” or “are” correctly for the following prompts:

(Singular subject: teacher)
(Plural subject: flowers)
(Compound subject: Anna and John)
(Collective noun: family)
(Indefinite pronoun: nobody)

9.5. Advanced Challenge

There ___ a list of names on the board.
Neither the teacher nor the students ___ prepared.
Here ___ the documents you need.
My family ___ divided on the issue. (BrE)
One of my friends ___ coming to visit.

9.6. Practice Table 7: Exercise Answer Key

Table 7: Practice Exercise Answers
Section	Question #	Correct Answer	Explanation
9.1	1	are	Plural subject: dogs
9.1	2	is	Singular subject: book
9.1	3	are	Plural subject: friends
9.1	4	is	Singular subject: light
9.1	5	are	Plural subject: students
9.1	6	is	Singular subject: teacher
9.1	7	are	Plural subject: keys
9.1	8	is	Collective noun (unit): family
9.1	9	are	Closest subject: workers (plural)
9.1	10	are	Plural subject: apples
9.2	1	The books are on the table.	Plural subject: books
9.2	2	Everyone is ready for the trip.	Indefinite pronoun: everyone (singular)
9.2	3	My friend and brother are here.	Compound subject (2 people)
9.2	4	There are many reasons for this mistake.	Plural subject: reasons
9.2	5	The dog is sleeping in the sun.	Singular subject: dog
9.2	6	Somebody is at the door.	Indefinite pronoun: somebody (singular)
9.2	7	The team is practicing. (AmE)	Collective noun (unit, AmE)
9.2	8	Are the students present?	Plural subject: students
9.2	9	Each of the boys is excited.	Each = singular
9.2	10	The results of the exams are surprising.	Plural subject: results
9.3	1	Correct	Plural subject: children + “are”
9.3	2	Incorrect	Should be “The cat is chasing…”
9.3	3	Correct	Singular subject: book + “is”
9.3	4	Incorrect	Should be “My parents are traveling…”
9.3	5	Correct	Indefinite pronoun: everyone (singular) + “is”
9.5	1	is	“A list” is singular
9.5	2	are	Closest subject: students (plural)
9.5	3	are	Subject: documents (plural)
9.5	4	are	BrE: family as individuals
9.5	5	is	Subject: one (singular)

10. ADVANCED TOPICS

10.1. Agreement with Complex Subjects

When a subject is separated from the verb by phrases, clauses, or modifiers, always identify the true subject for correct agreement.

The box of chocolates is empty. (Subject: box)
One of the girls is missing. (Subject: one)
The results from the survey are surprising. (Subject: results)

10.2. Formal vs. Informal and Regional Agreement

In formal writing, always ensure correct subject-verb agreement.
British English often treats collective nouns as plural; American English as singular.
Informal speech may be less strict, but consistency is key in academic/professional contexts.

10.3. Subjunctive Mood and Hypotheticals

In hypothetical or contrary-to-fact statements, use “were” for all persons:

If I were rich, I would travel the world.
If he were here, he could explain.

10.4. “There is/are” with Quantifiers and Lists

There is a problem. (singular)
There are several solutions. (plural)
There is a pen, a book, and a notebook on the desk. (AmE: sometimes singular because list is viewed as one set; plural is also accepted)

10.5. Agreement in Relative Clauses

The student who is absent will miss the test. (who = student)
The students who are absent will miss the test. (who = students)
The information that is missing is important.
The facts that are missing are important.

10.6. Table 8: Advanced Agreement Patterns

Table 8: Advanced Agreement Scenarios
Structure	Correct Verb	Example
Prepositional Phrase	is	The color of the walls is nice.
Compound Subject (and)	are	My brother and sister are doctors.
Compound Subject (as unit)	is	Bread and butter is on the table.
Neither…nor (closest subject plural)	are	Neither the manager nor the workers are here.
Neither…nor (closest subject singular)	is	Neither the workers nor the manager is here.
Relative Clause	is/are	The people who are here. / The person who is here.
There is/are (inverted)	is/are	There is a book. / There are books.

11. FAQ SECTION

What is the plural form of “is” and when do I use it?
The plural form of “is” is “are.” Use “are” when the subject is plural (more than one person or thing), and “is” when the subject is singular.
Why do we use “are” with plural subjects instead of “is”?
English verbs change form to match the subject’s number. “Are” is the present tense plural form of “to be,” so it must be used with plural subjects for correct subject-verb agreement.
How do I know if a subject is singular or plural?
Singular means “one” (dog, child, apple); plural means “more than one” (dogs, children, apples). Watch for plural endings (-s, -es, irregular plurals) and check if the subject refers to one or multiple things.
What happens with compound or collective nouns?
Compound subjects joined by “and” are plural (“Anna and John are here”). Collective nouns (team, family) are usually singular in AmE (“The team is winning”) but can be plural in BrE when referring to individuals (“The team are playing well”).
Do indefinite pronouns take “is” or “are”?
Most indefinite pronouns (everyone, someone, nobody) are singular and take “is.” Some (many, few, both, several) are plural and take “are.”
Why do some collective nouns use “are” in British English but “is” in American English?
In British English, collective nouns can be plural when the group acts as individuals. In American English, they are usually treated as singular units.
How do I use “is” and “are” in questions or negatives?
Place “is” or “are” at the beginning for questions. Use “is not” or “are not” for negatives. Match the verb to the subject’s number (“Is the dog here?” / “Are the dogs here?”).
What is the plural form of “was”?
The plural form of “was” is “were.” Use “were” for plural subjects in the past tense (“They were tired”).
Can I use “are” with “everyone” or “nobody”?
No; “everyone” and “nobody” are singular indefinite pronouns and always take “is” (“Everyone is ready”).
What about sentences starting with “There is” or “There are”?
Use “There is” for singular and “There are” for plural: “There is a problem.” / “There are problems.”
How does subject-verb agreement change with lists or multiple objects?
If the list is joined by “and,” use “are.” If joined by “or/nor,” match the verb to the closest subject. For lists after “There is/are,” the verb matches the first noun.
Are there exceptions to these rules?
Yes. Some expressions, collective nouns, or regional usages may differ. Always check for context, and when in doubt, consult a style guide or grammar reference.

12. CONCLUSION

Mastering the plural form of “is”—knowing when to use “is” and when to use “are”—is essential for clear and correct English. Accurate subject-verb agreement prevents misunderstandings and improves your writing and speaking, whether for school, tests, or professional life.

Remember the key rules: use “is” for singular subjects, “are” for plural subjects, and pay special attention to indefinite pronouns, compound subjects, collective nouns, and regional variations. Avoid the common mistakes, and practice regularly using the exercises and examples in this article.

For further learning, study related grammar points such as verb tenses, subject-verb agreement with irregular nouns, and advanced sentence structure. The more you practice, the more instinctive correct agreement will become.

Understanding these foundational rules empowers you as a confident and precise English user at any level.

Keep practicing, keep learning, and soon subject-verb agreement will feel natural!

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