How to Choose 'Is' or 'Are': A Kindergarten Guide

📚 What 'Is' and 'Are' Mean

In the English language, "is" and "are" are forms of the verb "to be." They connect a subject to a description or further information about that subject. Understanding when to use each one correctly is a foundational skill in grammar.

📜 A Brief History

The verb "to be" has evolved over centuries. In Old English, there were more forms to indicate different persons and numbers. Over time, these forms simplified. "Is" comes from the Old English "is," while "are" evolved from "earon" and "aron." The standardization of English grammar helped solidify the usage we know today.

🔑 Key Principles: Singular vs. Plural

The most important principle to remember is the difference between singular and plural subjects. Singular subjects take "is," while plural subjects take "are."

• 🧍 Singular Subjects: These refer to one person, place, thing, or idea. Use "is" with singular nouns and pronouns like he, she, it. Example: The cat is sleeping.
• 👬 Plural Subjects: These refer to more than one person, place, thing, or idea. Use "are" with plural nouns and pronouns like we, you, they. Example: The cats are sleeping.
• 🤔 Exception: The pronoun "I" always takes "am" (I am). The pronoun "you" always takes "are" (You are).

🍎 Real-World Examples

Let's look at some examples to help clarify the rules:

• 🍎 The apple is red. (Singular: one apple)
• 🍎🍎🍎 The apples are red. (Plural: more than one apple)
• 👦 He is my friend. (Singular: one person)
• 👧👦 They are my friends. (Plural: more than one person)
• 🏠 The house is big. (Singular: one house)
• 🏘️🏘️ The houses are big. (Plural: more than one house)

➕ Compound Subjects

When two or more subjects are joined by "and," they usually take "are."

• ➕ Jack and Jill are going up the hill.
• 🐶and 🐱 My dog and cat are playing together.

🤔 Special Cases

Some words can be tricky. Collective nouns (like team, family, or group) can be singular or plural depending on whether they are acting as a unit or as individuals.

• 👪 My family is going on vacation. (Acting as a unit)
• 👪 The members of my family are all different. (Acting as individuals)

📝 Practice Quiz

Choose 'is' or 'are' to complete the sentences correctly.

1. The dog _______ barking.
2. The birds _______ singing.
3. I _______ happy.
4. You _______ my friend.
5. She _______ a teacher.
6. We _______ learning grammar.
7. The books _______ on the table.

Answers: 1. is, 2. are, 3. am, 4. are, 5. is, 6. are, 7. are

💡 Tips for Remembering

• 💡 Think about whether you are talking about one thing or many things.
• 👂 Read the sentence aloud to see if it sounds right.
• ✍️ Practice regularly to build your confidence.

✅ Conclusion

Mastering the use of "is" and "are" is a crucial step in building strong English skills. By understanding the difference between singular and plural subjects, you can write and speak more clearly and effectively.