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Difference Between is and are

Last Updated : 17 Jan, 2024
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Difference Between is and are: “Is” and “are” are forms of the verb “be” and are commonly used in the English language to indicate a state or condition. They are used differently depending on the subject of the sentence.

Difference-Between-is-and-are

is vs are

Meaning of “is”

“Is” is the third person singular present tense of the verb “be” and is used to indicate that something exists or is happening in the present moment.

Usage of “is”

  • Used to indicate a single person, place, or thing.
  • Used to indicate that something exists or is happening in the present.
  • Used to indicate a characteristic or quality.
  • Used to indicate a profession or occupation.
  • Used to indicate a status or condition.
  • Used to indicate an identity.

Examples of “is”

  • She is my friend
  • The concert is tonight
  • The sky is blue
  • She is a doctor
  • The car is new
  • That is my cat

Meaning of “are”

“Are” is the plural present tense of the verb “be” and is used to indicate that multiple people, places, or things exist or are happening in the present moment.

Usage of “are”

  • Used to indicate multiple people, places, or things.
  • Used to indicate that something exists or is happening in the present.
  • Used to indicate a characteristic or quality.
  • Used to indicate a profession or occupation.
  • Used to indicate a status or condition.
  • Used to indicate an identity.

Examples of “are”

  • They are my friends
  • The concerts are sold out
  • The flowers are beautiful
  • They are doctors
  • The cars are new
  • Those are my cats

Differences between “is” and “are”

Is Are
Used for a single person, place, or thing Used for multiple people, places, or things
Indicates existence or action in the present Indicates existence or action in the present
Used for third person singular subjects Used for third person plural subjects
Used with singular nouns Used with plural nouns
Used with he, she, it, or a singular noun Used with they or plural nouns
Used with non-countable nouns Used with countable nouns
Indicates a characteristic or quality of a subject  Indicates a characteristic or quality of a subject
Used with professions or occupations  Used with professions or occupations
Indicates a status or condition of a subject  Indicates a status or condition of a subject
Used with abstract concepts Used with concrete concepts
Used with unchanging states or conditions Used with changing states or conditions
Used with single events or actions Used with multiple events or actions
Used with singular verb forms Used with plural verb forms 
Example: The concert is tonight Example: The concerts are sold out

Conclusion

“Is” and “are” are both important forms of the verb “be” and are used to indicate a state or condition. Their usage depends on the subject of the sentence and whether it is singular or plural. Understanding the differences between the two can help you communicate more effectively in English. 

Frequently Asked Questions on is and are

Difference between is and are?

“Are” is the plural present tense of the verb “be” and is used to indicate that multiple people, places, or things exist or are happening in the present moment. “Is” is the third person singular present tense of the verb “be” and is used to indicate that something exists or is happening in the present moment.

Usage of are?

  • Used to indicate multiple people, places, or things.
  • Used to indicate that something exists or is happening in the present.
  • Used to indicate a characteristic or quality.

Give 3 to 4 examples of is.

  • She is my friend
  • The concert is tonight
  • The sky is blue
  • She is a doctor

Usage of is?

  • Used to indicate a single person, place, or thing.
  • Used to indicate that something exists or is happening in the present.
  • Used to indicate a characteristic or quality.

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