Conjugation Rules for the Verb 'To Be': Is or Are?

When writing or speaking in English, understanding the correct use of verbs is crucial for clear and effective communication. One of the most common verbs used in English is 'to be,' which comes in many forms, with one of the most fundamental distinctions being whether to use 'is' or 'are.' This article aims to clarify these rules through examples, exceptions, and practical usage scenarios.

Introduction to 'Is' and 'Are'

Is is used with singular nouns or nouns that appear singular, regardless of the number of items. Conversely, are is used with plural nouns or nouns that denote more than one item. However, there are some intriguing exceptions and nuances to consider.

Basic Conjugation of 'To Be'

Here’s a breakdown of the basic conjugation of the verb 'to be':

Singular Subjects

Plural Subjects

It's important to remember that the subject determines the correct form of the verb, not the object of the sentence. For example:

Example 1:

My family is from Taiwan. - Here, 'family' is singular, so 'is' is correct.

But there are some exceptions, particularly when dealing with collective nouns.

Collective Nouns and 'Is' vs 'Are'

British vs American English

There's a notable difference in how British and American English handle collective nouns. In British English, the verb can be singular or plural depending on the context. For example:

Example 2:

The Beatles are recording a new album. - This is a plural verb form even though 'Beatles' can denote a group.

The Beatles is a band. - This is a singular verb form, emphasizing the unity of the group.

In American English, the decision is often made based on the form of the noun. For example:

Example 3:

The Beatles are recording a new album. - Here, 'are' is used because the noun form is plural.

The Who is a rock band. - In this case, 'is' is used because the noun form is singular.

Exceptional Cases and Practical Scenarios

Not all nouns follow the 'is' or 'are' rule strictly. There are specific exceptions and interesting cases to consider:

Hyphenated and Compound Nouns

Hyphenated and compound nouns often require special attention. For example:

The Cats' is sleeping.

This is generally acceptable, and 'Cats' is plural, but 'Cats' retains its singular form as a possessive.

Singular Nouns that Sound Plural

Some nouns, even though they refer to a single entity, sound like they refer to multiple items and thus take a plural verb. For instance:

Everyone is talking about you.

Nobody is talking about you.

Everything is tasty, yum!

In these cases, 'is' is used as if 'everyone, nobody, and everything' refer to multiple people or items.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between 'is' and 'are' is essential for proficient English usage. Remember that the subject typically dictates whether to use 'is' or 'are,' and there are notable exceptions to these rules. Whether you're writing an academic paper, a blog post, or a social media update, mastering the correct use of 'is' and 'are' will enhance your communication skills.

Acknowledgments

Thank you for your patience and interest in improving your English skills. If you need further assistance or have more questions, feel free to reach out.