Fact Check: Are VS Is?

Are VS Is? A Detailed Examination of Subject-Verb Agreement

Introduction

The claim under examination revolves around the grammatical distinction between the verbs "is" and "are," specifically focusing on their correct usage in English sentences. This topic is often a source of confusion for many English speakers and writers, leading to questions about the rules governing subject-verb agreement. The following analysis aims to clarify these rules based on various sources while critically evaluating their credibility and reliability.

What We Know

Basic Rules of Usage: "Is" is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "to be," used with singular subjects (e.g., "He is"), while "are" is used with plural subjects and the second-person singular (e.g., "They are" and "You are") 3 5 8.
Collective Nouns: In American English, collective nouns can take either singular or plural verbs depending on whether the group is being considered as a single unit or as individuals. For example, "The team is winning" versus "The team are arguing among themselves" 3 5.
Complex Subjects: When subjects are joined by "and," a plural verb is typically used (e.g., "Tom and Jerry are friends"). However, when subjects are joined by "or," the verb agrees with the nearest subject (e.g., "Either the cat or the dogs are outside") 9 10.
Exceptions and Nuances: Certain phrases and contexts may lead to confusion, such as the use of "are" with proper nouns that sound plural (e.g., band names) 4. Additionally, some sources suggest that understanding the context is crucial for determining the correct verb form 2 6.

Analysis

The sources reviewed provide a range of insights into the usage of "is" and "are," but their reliability and potential biases vary:

EduBirdie 1 and PapersOwl 2 are educational platforms that offer guides on grammar. While they provide useful information, they may have a slight bias towards promoting their services, which could affect the depth of their explanations.
Grammarly 3 is a well-known writing assistant tool that offers grammar advice. Its reputation lends credibility to its guidance, although it is essential to note that the platform may prioritize user engagement over exhaustive grammatical explanations.
Thesaurus.com 5 provides a straightforward explanation of the difference between "is" and "are." However, as a reference site, it may lack the depth found in more specialized grammar resources.
English Stack Exchange 4 offers a community-driven Q&A format, which can provide diverse perspectives but may also include unverified opinions. The reliability of answers can vary significantly based on the expertise of the contributors.
Writing Explained 10 and Two Min English 8 present clear, structured explanations of the rules, making them accessible to a general audience. However, they may not delve into the complexities of subject-verb agreement as thoroughly as academic sources would.

The methodologies employed by these sources generally involve summarizing grammatical rules and providing examples. However, a critical evaluation reveals that some sources may oversimplify complex grammatical concepts or fail to address exceptions adequately.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The analysis confirms that the distinction between "is" and "are" is grounded in established grammatical rules regarding subject-verb agreement. Key evidence supporting this conclusion includes the clear definitions of usage for singular and plural subjects, the treatment of collective nouns, and the rules governing complex subjects.

However, it is important to acknowledge that while the basic rules are well-defined, exceptions and nuances exist that can complicate their application. For instance, the use of "are" with collective nouns or in specific contexts may lead to confusion, indicating that a comprehensive understanding of subject-verb agreement requires attention to context.

Moreover, the reliability of the sources varies, with some providing more thorough explanations than others. This variability highlights the need for caution when interpreting grammatical rules, as not all sources may adequately address the complexities involved.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information themselves and consider the context in which grammatical rules are applied, as language is inherently fluid and subject to change.

Sources

EduBirdie. "Are vs Is: a comprehensive guide to subject-verb agreement." https://edubirdie.com/blog/are-vs-is#:~:text=The%20difference%20between%20%E2%80%9Cis%E2%80%9D%20and%20%E2%80%9Care%E2%80%9D,-To%20understand%20how&text=The%20subject%2Dverb%20agreement%20rule,are%20barking%E2%80%9D%20(plural).
PapersOwl. "Is vs. Are: Simple Rules to Remember." https://papersowl.com/blog/is-vs-are
Grammarly. "When to Use “Is” vs. “Are.” https://www.grammarly.com/blog/grammar/is-vs-are/
English Stack Exchange. "Are vs. is for proper nouns which sound plural." https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/138138/are-vs-is-for-proper-nouns-which-sound-plural-such-as-band-names
Thesaurus.com. "Is vs. Are – What’s The Difference?" https://www.thesaurus.com/e/grammar/is-vs-are/
Phoenix English Language. "Are vs Is Correct usage + Examples." https://phoenixenglishlang.com/are-vs-is/
WordReference Forum. "below are or below is." https://forum.wordreference.com/threads/below-are-or-below-is.3724168/
Two Min English. "How to Use “Is” and “Are” Correctly, With Examples." https://twominenglish.com/how-to-use-is-and-are-correctly/
Quillbot. "Compound Subject | Examples & Definition." https://quillbot.com/blog/sentence-and-word-structure/compound-subject/
Writing Explained. "Is vs. Are – What’s the Difference?" https://writingexplained.org/is-vs-are-difference