News can mean recent information or a programme reporting it.
The idea
Although it ends in -s, news is normally uncountable and takes a singular verb: the news is good. Say some news or a piece of news to refer to information. The news can also be a television or radio programme.
Examples
- The news is good today.
- I heard some news about the project.
- Do you have any news from your family?
- She shared a piece of news.
- We watched the news after dinner.
- The news was unexpected.
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Watch out
Do not treat the final s as a plural ending in the news are. Use the news is for the information.
Try it yourself
Choose the singular verb. The news ___ good today. (is / are)
Show answer or example answer
is
is is singular with the uncountable noun news.
Choose a word for an unspecified amount. I heard ___ news about the project. (some / a)
Show answer or example answer
some
some works with an unspecified amount of news.
Count one item of information. She shared a ___ of news. (piece / pieces)
Show answer or example answer
piece
piece counts one item of information.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the singular verb. The news ___ good today. (is / are)
Choose a word for an unspecified amount. I heard ___ news about the project. (some / a)
Count one item of information. She shared a ___ of news. (piece / pieces)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Share a piece of news and say where you heard it.