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.
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.