Fact Check: Is "people" or "are people" correct?

Is "people" or "are people" correct?

The claim in question revolves around the grammatical correctness of using "people" with the verb "are" versus "is." This inquiry touches on the rules of subject-verb agreement in English grammar, particularly focusing on the plural noun "people." The distinction between these two forms can lead to confusion, especially for those learning English or for non-native speakers.

What We Know

1. Subject-Verb Agreement: According to standard grammar rules, a subject must agree with its verb in number. Singular subjects take singular verbs, while plural subjects take plural verbs. The noun "people" is a plural term, referring to more than one person, and thus requires a plural verb. Therefore, the correct form is "people are" rather than "people is" 138.

2. Usage of "People": The term "people" is the plural form of "person" and is commonly used to refer to a group of individuals. In English, collective nouns like "people" typically take plural verbs. For instance, "The people are waiting" is grammatically correct, while "The people is waiting" is not 910.

3. Exceptions and Nuances: While the general rule is straightforward, there are exceptions in English grammar. For example, collective nouns can sometimes take singular verbs when the group is being considered as a single unit (e.g., "The team is winning"). However, "people" does not function as a collective noun in this way and consistently takes a plural verb 26.

Analysis

The claim regarding the use of "people" and "are" versus "is" is well-supported by multiple reputable sources on grammar. For instance, Purdue OWL, a widely respected resource for writing and grammar, confirms that plural subjects require plural verbs 2. Similarly, the Academic Guides from Walden University reiterate the basic rule of subject-verb agreement, emphasizing that plural subjects like "people" must be paired with plural verbs 5.

However, some sources present the information in varying degrees of detail and authority. For example, the Stack Exchange entry discusses common usage and provides examples, but it is a community-driven platform, which may introduce bias or inaccuracies due to the nature of user-generated content 9. On the other hand, academic institutions like Purdue OWL and Walden University offer more reliable and vetted information, making them more credible sources for grammatical rules 25.

Additionally, the source from Two Min English, while informative, is less formal and may not carry the same weight as academic resources. It does, however, provide practical examples that illustrate the correct usage of "people are" 10.

Potential Conflicts of Interest

Most of the sources cited are educational institutions or grammar-focused websites, which typically aim to provide accurate and unbiased information. However, user-generated content on platforms like Stack Exchange may reflect personal opinions or interpretations, which could lead to inconsistencies in the information presented.

Methodological Considerations

The methodology behind the claims in these sources generally involves established rules of English grammar, often derived from linguistic studies and educational standards. However, the effectiveness of these rules can vary based on regional dialects and evolving language use. Additional context regarding the audience—such as whether they are native speakers or learners of English—could enhance the understanding of how these rules are applied in practice.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that "people" should be used with the verb "are" is true. The evidence presented confirms that "people" is a plural noun and thus requires a plural verb, making "people are" the grammatically correct form. This conclusion is supported by reputable grammar resources, including Purdue OWL and Walden University, which emphasize the rules of subject-verb agreement.

However, it is important to note that while the rule is clear, English grammar can exhibit exceptions and nuances, particularly with collective nouns. In this case, "people" does not function as a collective noun that could take a singular verb.

Additionally, the reliance on various sources, including user-generated content, introduces some variability in the presentation of grammatical rules. Readers should be aware that while the consensus supports the claim, the context of usage and evolving language practices may influence interpretations.

In light of this, readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information themselves and consider the sources of grammatical guidance they consult.

Sources

1. Valencia College. "13 Rules of Subject Verb Agreement." Link
2. Purdue OWL. "Subject/Verb Agreement." Link
3. Northern Illinois University. "Subject-verb Agreement | Effective Writing Practices Tutorial." Link
4. St. Louis Community College. "Subject Verb and Pronoun Agreement." Link
5. Walden University. "Subject–Verb Agreement - Grammar and Mechanics." Link
6. Touro College. "Verb Agreement with Collective Singular Nouns." Link
7. Ace English Grammar. "Subject Verb Agreement | Definition, Rules & Examples." Link
8. GrammarBook.com. "Subject-Verb Agreement | Grammar Rules and Examples." Link
9. English Language & Usage Stack Exchange. "nouns - people are/is: which one is correct?" Link
10. Two Min English. "'People Are' or 'People Is': What's the Difference?" Link