The subject tells you which form to choose.

The idea

A singular noun subject takes is: the child is. A plural noun subject takes are: the children are.

Examples

  • The window is open.
  • The windows are open.
  • My friend is at home.
  • My friends are at home.
  • The child is happy.
  • The children are happy.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic English voice on your device. Quality and availability vary; it does not assess pronunciation.

Watch out

Do not choose the verb by looking for a final s alone: children and people are plural too.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct option. The cat ___ asleep. (is / are)

    Show answer or example answer

    is

    is agrees with the singular cat.

  2. Choose the correct option. The flowers ___ yellow. (is / are)

    Show answer or example answer

    are

    are agrees with the plural flowers.

  3. Choose the correct option. The people ___ ready. (is / are)

    Show answer or example answer

    are

    are agrees with people, an irregular plural.

Use it today

Write one sentence about a single object and one about several objects.