Are vs. Is

Attribute	Are	Is
Definition	Are is the present tense plural form of the verb "to be".	Is is the present tense singular form of the verb "to be".
Usage	Used when referring to multiple subjects or objects.	Used when referring to a single subject or object.
Subject-Verb Agreement	Require plural subjects.	Require singular subjects.
Examples	We are going to the park.	He is reading a book.
Third Person Singular	Not applicable.	Requires the use of "is".
Present Continuous	Not applicable.	Used in the present continuous tense as "is being".
Interrogative Form	Are you coming to the party?	Is she your sister?

Introduction

When it comes to the English language, two of the most commonly used verbs are "are" and "is." These verbs play a crucial role in sentence construction and convey different meanings depending on the subject. In this article, we will explore the attributes of "are" and "is," highlighting their differences and providing examples to illustrate their usage.

Definition and Usage of "Are"

The verb "are" is the present tense form of the verb "be" in the second person plural and first and third person plural. It is used when referring to multiple subjects or a group of individuals. "Are" is also used with the pronouns "we," "you," and "they." For example:

• We are going to the park.
• You are my best friend.
• They are studying for their exams.

Additionally, "are" is used in questions and negative sentences with plural subjects. For instance:

• Are you coming to the party?
• We are not interested in that movie.

Definition and Usage of "Is"

The verb "is" is the present tense form of the verb "be" in the third person singular. It is used when referring to a single subject or an individual. "Is" is also used with the pronouns "he," "she," and "it." For example:

• He is a talented musician.
• She is going to the store.
• It is raining outside.

Similarly, "is" is used in questions and negative sentences with singular subjects. For instance:

• Is he coming to the meeting?
• She is not feeling well today.

Subject-Verb Agreement

One of the key differences between "are" and "is" lies in their subject-verb agreement. "Are" is used with plural subjects, while "is" is used with singular subjects. This agreement ensures that the verb matches the number of the subject in a sentence. For example:

• The dogs are barking loudly.
• The dog is barking loudly.

In the first sentence, "are" is used because the subject "dogs" is plural. In the second sentence, "is" is used because the subject "dog" is singular. This agreement helps maintain grammatical correctness and clarity in communication.

Present Continuous Tense

Both "are" and "is" are used in the present continuous tense to indicate ongoing actions or states. However, their usage differs based on the subject. "Are" is used with plural subjects, while "is" is used with singular subjects. For example:

• We are studying for our exams.
• She is studying for her exam.

In the first sentence, "are" is used because the subject "we" is plural. In the second sentence, "is" is used because the subject "she" is singular. This distinction helps convey the correct information about the number of individuals involved in the action or state.

Third Person Singular "S"

Another important attribute of "is" is its association with the third person singular "s" in present simple tense sentences. When the subject is a singular noun or pronoun, "is" is used along with the third person singular "s" to indicate present simple tense. For example:

• He plays the guitar.
• She sings beautifully.
• It runs fast.

In these sentences, "is" is combined with the third person singular "s" (plays, sings, runs) to indicate that the action is happening in the present and is specific to the singular subject.

Conclusion

In summary, "are" and "is" are both essential verbs in the English language, but they differ in their usage and subject-verb agreement. "Are" is used with plural subjects, while "is" is used with singular subjects. Understanding the attributes of these verbs is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences and conveying the intended meaning. By mastering the usage of "are" and "is," individuals can enhance their communication skills and express themselves more effectively in English.