What is the Difference Between Is and Are in English Grammar?

The difference between "is" and "are" in English grammar lies in their usage with different subjects and numbers. Both "is" and "are" are forms of the verb "be" and are used in the present tense for different purposes. Here are the key differences:

• Is: This is the third person singular present tense form of the verb "be". It is used with singular subjects, such as nouns, in the third person. Examples include:
• The house is old.
• She is a carpenter.
• Are: This is the present tense form used with the second person singular and all plurals. It is used with plural subjects, such as nouns and pronouns in the second person and the first, second, and third person plural forms. Examples include:
• You are my best friend.
• Gorillas are intelligent animals.

The choice between "is" and "are" depends on the subject of a sentence. If the subject is singular, use "is"; if the subject is plural or there is more than one noun, use "are". For example:

• If the noun is singular: The cat is eating all of his food.
• If the subject is plural or there is more than one noun: The cats are eating all of their food.

In summary, use "is" with singular subjects and "are" with plural subjects or multiple nouns in the present tense of the verb "be".

Comparative Table: Is vs Are in English Grammar

The difference between "is" and "are" in English grammar lies in their usage with nouns. Both "is" and "are" are forms of the verb "to be," with "is" being the third person singular present tense form and "are" being the present tense form used with the second person singular and all plurals. Here is a table summarizing their usage:

When deciding whether to use "is" or "are," look at whether the subject noun in the sentence is plural or singular. If the noun is singular, use "is." If it is plural or there is more than one noun, use "are". Some tricky nouns use "are" even though they don't seem plural, such as "some," "many," "all," and "few," which are examples of plural indefinite pronouns.