What is or what are which is correct? Mastering the core rule of subject-verb agreement

Studies suggest that up to a third of people find verb-subject agreement confusing, making clear communication a challenge. This guide simplifies the rule, answering the question of what is or what are which is correct with practical examples and clear explanations, empowering you with grammatical authority.

Quick Summary

Determining whether to use 'what is' or 'what are' depends on whether the subject is singular or plural; 'is' pairs with singular subjects, while 'are' pairs with plural subjects, following the fundamental rule of subject-verb agreement.

Key Points

• Subject-Verb Agreement: The primary rule is to match the verb to the subject's number; 'is' for singular, 'are' for plural.

• Singular Use: Use 'what is' for questions referring to a single object, concept, or uncountable noun.

• Plural Use: Use 'what are' when asking about multiple items, ideas, or countable nouns.

• Collective Nouns: Verb choice for words like 'team' or 'family' depends on whether you're emphasizing the group as a unit (is) or the individual members (are).

• Indefinite Pronouns: Always use 'what is' with singular indefinite pronouns like 'everyone' and 'something', regardless of the number of people or things they represent.

• Context Matters: In complex or crucial contexts, like health communication, precise verb usage is essential for preventing misunderstandings.

The Golden Rule of Subject-Verb Agreement

At its heart, the choice between 'is' and 'are' boils down to a single principle: subject-verb agreement. The verb must always align with its subject in number, meaning a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. This can be more complex than it sounds, especially with 'what' questions where the subject comes after the verb. By focusing on the noun that the question refers to, you can easily determine the correct verb form.

When to Use 'What is'

'What is' is used when the subject of your question is a singular noun or refers to a single, uncountable entity. In these cases, the verb 'is' matches the singular nature of the subject.

Examples of singular subjects with 'what is':

• What is the fastest way to get to the airport? (refers to a single 'way')
• What is the meaning of this word? (refers to a single 'meaning')
• What is your favorite color? (refers to a single 'color')
• What is the best diet for general health? (refers to a single concept of 'diet')
• What is the problem? (refers to a single 'problem')

When to Use 'What are'

Conversely, 'what are' is reserved for questions where the subject is plural. The verb 'are' correctly matches the multiple items or concepts being discussed.

Examples of plural subjects with 'what are':

• What are the key ingredients in this recipe? (refers to multiple 'ingredients')
• What are your plans for the weekend? (refers to multiple 'plans')
• What are the symptoms of the flu? (refers to multiple 'symptoms')
• What are your top three priorities? (refers to multiple 'priorities')
• What are some examples of healthy foods? (refers to multiple 'examples')

Navigating Common Challenges

Understanding the basic rule is a great start, but certain grammatical scenarios can be tricky. These include collective nouns, compound subjects, and indefinite pronouns. For collective nouns, such as 'team' or 'family', the verb choice depends on whether the group is acting as a single unit ('The team is...') or as separate individuals ('The team are...'). When dealing with compound subjects joined by 'and', a plural verb is almost always used ('What are the common benefits and risks?'). However, if joined by 'or' or 'nor', the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Special Cases with Indefinite Pronouns

Indefinite pronouns like 'everybody', 'someone', and 'everything' can be deceptive. While they may refer to multiple people or things, they are always grammatically singular. Therefore, they take a singular verb.

• What is everybody doing this weekend?
• What is the one thing you need most right now?

However, some indefinite pronouns, like 'some', 'most', 'all', and 'none', can be singular or plural depending on the noun they refer to. Consider the context carefully to determine the correct verb.

• What is the food that is left? (singular 'food')
• What are the cookies that are left? (plural 'cookies')

Context is King: A Health Communication Example

In the field of general health, clear, unambiguous communication is critical. Using the correct verb can prevent misunderstandings with serious consequences. Consider these examples:

1. What are the side effects of this medication? (Plural subject, 'side effects')
2. What is the recommended dosage for this medication? (Singular subject, 'dosage')

If you were to ask, "What is the side effects?" it would not only sound incorrect but could also cause confusion in a medical setting. Precision in language ensures that the question is clear, and the answer is accurate and easily understood by all parties involved, which is a key component of patient safety. Authority on the precise use of language can be further researched through resources like the Purdue OWL Writing Lab.

The 'There is' and 'There are' Distinction

When forming questions that start with 'what', the subject often follows the verb. A similar rule applies to sentences beginning with 'there is' or 'there are'. The verb choice is dictated by the number of the noun that comes after it.

• What is in the bag? (singular 'what' referring to a single item)
• What are the items in the bag? (plural 'items')

Conclusion: Clarity Through Correctness

Mastering the use of 'is' and 'are' is a foundational step toward clearer, more effective communication. By consistently matching the verb to the subject's number, you can eliminate a common source of grammatical confusion. This skill is valuable not just in formal writing but also in everyday conversations, ensuring your message is understood exactly as intended. While grammar can be complex, focusing on the core principle of subject-verb agreement will serve you well in most situations, building your confidence and authority as a communicator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the simplest way to remember whether to use 'is' or 'are'?

The simplest way is to identify the noun the question refers to. If that noun is singular (one thing), use 'is'. If the noun is plural (more than one thing), use 'are'.

Does the rule for 'what is or what are which is correct' apply to all tenses?

The subject-verb agreement rule applies across tenses, but the verb forms change. For instance, in the past tense, the choice is between 'was' (singular) and 'were' (plural).

How do I handle a sentence with both singular and plural subjects?

If a compound subject is joined by 'or' or 'nor', the verb agrees with the subject that is closest to it. For example, 'What are the keys or the lock?' versus 'What is the lock or the keys?'

Can 'what' ever be plural?

Yes, 'what' can be implicitly plural depending on the context. If the sentence structure suggests a plural subject, 'what' takes the plural verb 'are', as in 'What are the rules?'

Why is 'what is your plans' incorrect?

This is incorrect because 'plans' is a plural noun, so it requires the plural verb 'are'. The correct phrase is 'What are your plans?'

Is it 'What is the news?' or 'What are the news?'

It is 'What is the news?' because 'news' is treated as an uncountable, singular noun, even though it ends in 's'.

Why is correct grammar important for general health communication?

Clear grammar, like using 'is' or 'are' correctly, is vital for conveying precise information. In health, this can prevent misunderstandings regarding symptoms, treatments, or dosages, which can have significant health implications.