The Ultimate Guide To 'Is' And 'Are': 7 Surprising Facts About The Most Confusing Verbs In English

The simple two-letter words 'is' and 'are' are, without a doubt, verbs. This is the fundamental answer to the core grammatical question, but their function goes far deeper than a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer. As of today, December 18, 2025, understanding these words is crucial because they are the present tense, singular and plural forms, respectively, of the English language's most common and complex verb: 'to be.' They are foundational elements of sentence structure, playing a vital dual role that often confuses native speakers and learners alike.

The confusion surrounding "is" and "are" stems from their highly irregular nature and their ability to function in two completely different grammatical capacities—as a main verb (specifically a linking verb or copula) and as an auxiliary verb (or helping verb). Mastering the difference between 'is' and 'are' is primarily a matter of Subject-Verb Agreement, a cornerstone of English syntax. This guide will break down the seven essential facts about these powerful little words, revealing their true complexity and helping you use them with perfect confidence.

The Essential Grammar Profile of 'Is' and 'Are'

To fully appreciate the role of 'is' and 'are,' we must first examine their origin and conjugation. They are not independent verbs but variations of a single, highly irregular verb.

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• Infinitive Form: To Be
• Base Form: Be
• Present Participle: Being
• Past Participle: Been

Conjugation of the Verb 'To Be' in the Present Tense

The forms 'is' and 'are' are specific conjugations used in the present tense.

• I: am
• You (Singular/Plural): are
• He/She/It (Singular Subject): is
• We (Plural Subject): are
• They (Plural Subject): are

As you can see, 'is' is the third-person singular form, while 'are' serves as the second-person singular and all plural forms. This distinction is the key to correct usage in virtually every sentence.

7 Crucial Facts That Define 'Is' and 'Are'

The verb 'to be' is often called the most protean verb in English because it constantly changes form. Understanding its different roles is what gives you topical authority in English grammar.

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1. They Are the Only Verbs With a Dual Identity

'Is' and 'are' can function as either a main verb or an auxiliary verb (helping verb). This dual identity is the primary source of confusion.

• As a Main Verb: When it stands alone, it is a linking verb (or copula). It connects the subject to a predicate complement (a noun, pronoun, or adjective that re-identifies or describes the subject).
  • Example ('Is' as Linking Verb): The sky is blue. (Connects 'sky' to the descriptive adjective 'blue'.)
  • Example ('Are' as Linking Verb): Those books are heavy. (Connects 'books' to the descriptive adjective 'heavy'.)
• As an Auxiliary Verb: When it is paired with another verb (a nonfinite verb, usually a present participle ending in -ing), it helps to form complex tenses.
  • Example ('Is' as Auxiliary Verb): He is running a marathon. (Helps form the Present Continuous Tense.)
  • Example ('Are' as Auxiliary Verb): They are studying for the exam. (Helps form the Present Continuous Tense.)

2. The Difference is Purely Subject-Verb Agreement

The rule for choosing between 'is' and 'are' is absolute: it must agree in number with the grammatical subject of the sentence.

• Use 'Is' for singular subjects (e.g., a cat, the house, she, it, one person).
• Use 'Are' for plural subjects (e.g., cats, the houses, we, they, two people) and the singular pronoun 'you'.

This rule applies even when a plural noun is closer to the verb, emphasizing that you must identify the *true* subject.

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3. They Are Essential for the Passive Voice

One of the most frequent uses of 'is' and 'are' as auxiliary verbs is in forming the passive voice. In this structure, the subject is the receiver of the action, not the doer.

• Example: The report is being written by the manager.
• Example: The results are published every week.

Here, 'is' and 'are' are crucial components that combine with the past participle of the main verb to shift the focus of the sentence.

4. They Can Express Existence or Location

When 'is' or 'are' acts as a main verb, its meaning can sometimes be interpreted as "to exist" or to indicate a location, often in sentences beginning with the expletive "There."

• Example (Existence): God is. (Meaning: God exists.)
• Example (Location): The keys are on the table. (Meaning: The keys exist on the table.)

In these cases, the verb is still functioning as a finite verb that grounds the subject in reality or space.

5. The Pitfall of Compound Subjects

A common error involves compound subjects joined by 'and' or 'or/nor'.

• Subjects joined by 'and': Almost always take the plural form 'are'.
  • Example: John and Mary are going to the party.
• Subjects joined by 'or' or 'nor': The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
  • Example: Neither the students nor the teacher is ready.
  • Example: Neither the teacher nor the students are ready.

This rule requires careful attention to the syntax of the sentence to ensure proper agreement.

6. They Are Used with Modal Verbs in the Infinitive

When combined with modal verbs (like *will, might, should, could*), the base form 'be' is used, not 'is' or 'are'. This is because modal verbs are followed by the bare infinitive form of the main verb.

• Incorrect: They will are late.
• Correct: They will be late.

This demonstrates the interconnectedness of all the forms of the 'to be' verb within the entire verbal phrase.

7. The Role of the Copula in Defining Identity

In its role as a copula (linking verb), 'is' and 'are' are essential for defining, classifying, or equating the subject with a predicate nominative (a noun that follows the linking verb).

• Example ('Is'): My brother is a doctor. (Equates 'brother' with 'doctor'.)
• Example ('Are'): These animals are mammals. (Classifies 'animals' as 'mammals'.)

This function is arguably the most fundamental, allowing us to build sentences that convey identity, state, or quality rather than just action.

Mastering the 'To Be' Verb Family

The confusion over "is are a verb" is a natural result of the 'to be' verb's unique complexity. It is an irregular verb that changes its form more drastically than almost any other in the language, leading to an array of forms including *am, is, are, was, were, be, being,* and *been*.

To achieve perfect grammar and clarity, focus on the principle of subject-verb agreement. Always identify the true subject—singular or plural—and match it with the correct present tense form: 'is' for singular and 'are' for plural. By recognizing their roles as both linking verbs and auxiliary verbs, you move beyond the simple query and gain a sophisticated understanding of English conjugation and sentence structure.