Verbs Is And Are Worksheets

Mastering "Is" and "Are": A Comprehensive Guide with Worksheets

Understanding the difference between "is" and "are" is fundamental to mastering English grammar. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice you need to confidently use these verbs correctly. We'll explore the intricacies of subject-verb agreement, delve into various sentence structures, and provide numerous worksheets to solidify your understanding. This guide is perfect for ESL learners, students reinforcing grammar concepts, and anyone looking to improve their English writing and speaking skills.

Understanding "Is" and "Are"

"Is" and "are" are forms of the verb "to be," indicating the state of being. The crucial difference lies in their agreement with the subject of the sentence. This agreement is known as subject-verb agreement.

• Is: Used with singular subjects (one person, thing, or idea).
• Are: Used with plural subjects (more than one person, thing, or idea).

Let's break this down with examples:

• Singular: The cat is sleeping. (One cat)
• Plural: The cats are sleeping. (More than one cat)

Subject-Verb Agreement: The Core Concept

Subject-verb agreement is the cornerstone of correct sentence structure. The verb must always agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. This seems simple, but it can become complex with various sentence structures. Let's explore some common scenarios:

• Simple Sentences: Identifying the subject is straightforward in simple sentences. For example:

  • The dog is barking. (Singular subject, singular verb)
  • The dogs are barking. (Plural subject, plural verb)

• Compound Subjects: When two or more subjects are joined by "and," the verb is usually plural.

  • My brother and sister are going to the park.
  • The cat and dog are playing together.

  However, if the compound subject refers to a single entity, the verb is singular.

  • Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite sandwich.

• Subjects Joined by "or" or "nor": The verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

  • Neither the cats nor the dog is allowed inside.
  • Either the dog or the cats are making that noise.

• Collective Nouns: Collective nouns (team, family, group) can be either singular or plural depending on the context. If the group acts as a single unit, use a singular verb. If the members of the group act individually, use a plural verb.

  • The team is playing well tonight. (Team acting as a unit)
  • The team are arguing amongst themselves. (Individual members acting)

• Indefinite Pronouns: Some indefinite pronouns (everyone, someone, anyone, nobody) are always singular. Others (some, many, few) can be singular or plural depending on the context.

  • Everyone is invited to the party.
  • Many are calling for change.

• Inverted Sentences: In sentences where the verb comes before the subject (e.g., questions), pay close attention to the subject to determine the correct verb form.

  • Is the car ready? (Singular subject)
  • Are the cars ready? (Plural subject)

Worksheet 1: Simple Subject-Verb Agreement

Instructions: Choose the correct form of the verb "is" or "are" to complete each sentence.

1. The bird _______ singing beautifully.
2. The birds _______ singing beautifully.
3. My friend _______ coming over later.
4. My friends _______ coming over later.
5. That dog _______ barking loudly.
6. Those dogs _______ barking loudly.
7. The book _______ on the table.
8. The books _______ on the table.
9. My sister _______ a talented artist.
10. My sisters _______ talented artists.

Worksheet 2: Compound and Collective Nouns

Instructions: Choose the correct form of the verb "is" or "are" to complete each sentence.

1. My mom and dad _______ going on a trip.
2. Bread and butter _______ a simple but satisfying meal.
3. The flock of birds _______ flying south for the winter.
4. The committee _______ meeting to discuss the budget.
5. The family _______ planning a reunion.
6. The team _______ celebrating their victory.
7. My dog and cat _______ best friends.
8. The class _______ ready for the exam.
9. The group of students _______ working on a project.
10. Rice and beans _______ my favorite comfort food.

Worksheet 3: Indefinite Pronouns and Inverted Sentences

Instructions: Choose the correct form of the verb "is" or "are" to complete each sentence.

1. Someone _______ knocking at the door.
2. Many _______ eager to help.
3. Everyone _______ invited to the party.
4. Few _______ willing to compromise.
5. _______ the flowers blooming yet?
6. _______ there any cookies left?
7. _______ the children playing outside?
8. Nobody _______ home right now.
9. _______ your parents coming to visit?
10. Something _______ wrong with the car.

Advanced Considerations: Exceptions and Nuances

While the basic rules outlined above cover most scenarios, there are exceptions and nuances to consider. Here are a few:

• Titles and Phrases: Even if a phrase contains plural words, if it refers to a single entity, it takes a singular verb.

  • "War and Peace" is a long novel.

• Amounts and Measurements: These usually take singular verbs.

  • Five dollars is not a lot of money.

• Fractions and Percentages: The verb agrees with the noun the fraction or percentage modifies.

  • One-third of the students are absent.
  • 20% of the population is unemployed.

Worksheet 4: Advanced Subject-Verb Agreement

Instructions: Choose the correct form of the verb "is" or "are" to complete each sentence. These sentences involve more complex grammatical structures.

1. "Pride and Prejudice" _______ a classic novel.
2. Ten dollars _______ not enough to buy that book.
3. Two-thirds of the pizza _______ gone.
4. The news _______ disturbing.
5. Thirty percent of the students _______ failing the class.
6. The United States _______ a diverse country.
7. A series of lectures _______ scheduled for next week.
8. A number of students _______ absent today.
9. The data _______ inconclusive.
10. My glasses _______ broken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What if the subject is a gerund or an infinitive?

A: Gerunds (verbs acting as nouns, ending in -ing) and infinitives (to + verb) are always considered singular subjects and take a singular verb ("is").

*  Swimming **is** my favorite exercise.
* To err **is** human.

Q: What about sentences with intervening phrases?

A: Ignore intervening phrases when determining subject-verb agreement. Focus on the main subject.

* The **boy**, along with his friends, **is** going to the park. (The subject is "boy," not "friends")

Q: How can I improve my understanding further?

A: Practice! The more you practice identifying subjects and applying the rules of subject-verb agreement, the more confident you'll become. Read extensively, paying attention to sentence structure, and use online grammar resources and exercises.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of "is" and "are" is a crucial step in improving your English grammar. While seemingly simple, understanding subject-verb agreement encompasses various complexities. By consistently practicing with the worksheets provided and actively applying the rules outlined in this guide, you will significantly enhance your writing and speaking skills. Remember, consistent practice is key to mastering any grammatical concept. Keep reviewing and practicing, and you will become proficient in using "is" and "are" correctly!