Beginner 🎯 Pronunciation & Mistakes · #63 of 111

Mistake: Is vs Are

Match the verb to a singular or plural subject.

Examples

  • He is happy.
  • They are happy.

Key rules

  • Use is with singular subjects such as he, she, it and a single noun
  • Use are with plural subjects such as they, we, you and plural nouns
  • Check the subject before choosing the verb

Common mistakes

  • He are happy → He is happy
  • They is happy → They are happy

Use cases

  • Describing people and things
  • Talking about families
  • Writing simple sentences
💡 Tip: Find the subject first; then check whether it is one thing or more than one.
Practise this topic in the appPractise Beginner quiz
← Mistake: A vs AnMistake: Do vs Does →

Related Beginner topics

See all Beginner pronunciation & mistakes lessons →

Alphabet and Letter Sounds

26 letters, 44 sounds.

Short Vowel Sounds

a, e, i, o, u in short words.

Long Vowel Sounds

Vowels that say their name.

Common Confusing Pair: Its vs It's

its = belonging; it's = it is.

Common Confusing Pair: Your vs You're

your = belonging; you're = you are.

Common Confusing Pair: There, Their, They're

place; belonging; they are.