Latest News: Is It 'Is' Or 'Are'? Grammar Guide!

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 49 views

Hey guys! Ever found yourself scratching your head wondering whether to use "is" or "are" when talking about the latest news? You're definitely not alone! This is a super common grammar question, and getting it right can make your writing and speaking sound way more polished. So, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of subject-verb agreement and clear up this confusion once and for all. Trust me, by the end of this article, you'll be a pro at using "is" and "are" with the word "news."

Understanding Subject-Verb Agreement

Okay, before we tackle the "news" question directly, let's quickly recap subject-verb agreement. Basically, this rule states that a singular subject needs a singular verb, and a plural subject needs a plural verb. It's like matching socks – they need to pair up correctly! For example:

Singular: The dog is barking.
Plural: The dogs are barking.

See how the verb changes depending on whether we're talking about one dog or multiple dogs? This is the core principle we need to understand.

Now, where things get tricky is when we have collective nouns or nouns that seem plural but are actually singular. And guess what? "News" falls into this category, which is why so many people get tripped up!

Why "News" Causes Confusion

The word "news" looks plural, right? It ends in an "s," just like "dogs" or "cats." But here's the catch: "news" is actually an uncountable noun that functions as a singular noun. Think of it like "information" or "advice." You wouldn't say "informations" or "advices," would you? Similarly, "news" is treated as a single entity, even though it refers to multiple pieces of information. This is why, grammatically, you almost always treat it as singular, regardless of how many individual news stories comprise the news. Recognizing this singular nature is the key to using the correct verb form. Remember, it's about how the word functions grammatically, not necessarily its appearance. This understanding forms the foundation for correctly applying subject-verb agreement.

So, Is It "The News Is" or "The News Are"?

Alright, let's get to the heart of the matter. The correct phrase is almost always "The news is." Because "news" is considered a singular noun, it takes a singular verb. Here are a few examples:

The news is good today.
The latest news is very concerning.
The breaking news is about the election results.

In all these sentences, "news" is treated as a single piece of information, even though it might consist of many different stories or updates. Using "are" in these sentences would be grammatically incorrect.

When Might You Use "Are" (And Why It's Still Tricky)

Okay, there's one very specific situation where you might see "the news are," but it's super rare and often considered incorrect in modern English. This usage comes from the idea that "news" could refer to individual items of news. So, theoretically, you could say something like:

"The news are itemized on the website."

However, even in this case, it sounds awkward and stilted. Most style guides and grammar experts would recommend rephrasing the sentence to avoid the issue altogether. For example, you could say:

"The news items are listed on the website."

Or:

"The individual news stories are available on the website."

The main takeaway here is that while you might encounter "the news are" in very old texts or in very specific contexts, it's generally best to stick with "the news is" in modern English. It's clearer, more concise, and less likely to raise eyebrows.

Other Tricky Nouns: "Politics," "Economics," and More

While we're on the topic of nouns that look plural but are actually singular, let's quickly touch on a few other common culprits. Words like "politics," "economics," "mathematics," and "physics" all end in "s" but are generally treated as singular nouns.

Politics is a dirty game.
Economics is a complex subject.
Mathematics is essential for many careers.
Physics is a fundamental science.

Like "news," these words refer to a field of study or a general concept, rather than multiple individual items. So, they typically take a singular verb. However, context can sometimes matter. For example, you might say "The statistics are misleading" if you're referring to specific numerical data. But in most cases, sticking with the singular verb is the safest bet. This consistency in usage helps maintain clarity and avoids potential grammatical errors.

Tips for Remembering the Rule

Okay, so how can you remember this rule and avoid making mistakes in the future? Here are a few tips:

Think of "news" as "information." If you would say "The information is…," then you should also say "The news is…"
When in doubt, rephrase. If you're really unsure whether to use "is" or "are," try rewriting the sentence to avoid the issue altogether. For example, instead of saying "The news about the accident is…," you could say "The report about the accident is…"
Read, read, read! The more you read well-written content, the more you'll internalize the correct usage of "is" and "are" with different nouns.

Practice Makes Perfect

To solidify your understanding, try these practice sentences. Fill in the blank with either "is" or "are."

The news from around the world _____ fascinating.
The latest sports news _____ very exciting.
The breaking news about the storm _____ alarming.

(Answers: 1. is, 2. is, 3. is)

If you got all those right, congrats! You're well on your way to mastering subject-verb agreement with tricky nouns like "news."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even after understanding the rule, it's easy to slip up and make a mistake. Here are some common errors to watch out for:

Using "are" simply because "news" ends in "s." Remember, the "s" doesn't automatically make it plural!
Getting confused by intervening phrases. Sometimes, there might be a phrase between "news" and the verb that makes you think you need a plural verb. For example: "The news about the upcoming concert, is exciting." The phrase "about the upcoming concert" doesn't change the fact that "news" is the subject, and it's singular.
Overthinking it! Sometimes, the simplest explanation is the best. Just remember that "news" is almost always singular, and you'll be fine.

The Importance of Correct Grammar

Some of you might be thinking, "Does it really matter if I say 'the news are' instead of 'the news is'? People will still understand me, right?" And that's true, to some extent. But using correct grammar is important for several reasons:

It makes you sound more credible and professional. If you're writing a report for work or giving a presentation, using proper grammar shows that you're detail-oriented and competent.
It makes your writing clearer and easier to understand. When your grammar is correct, your readers can focus on your message, rather than getting distracted by errors.
It helps you communicate effectively. Good grammar is essential for clear and effective communication, whether you're writing an email, giving a speech, or just chatting with friends.

In conclusion, mastering grammar rules like subject-verb agreement is a valuable skill that can benefit you in many areas of life. Don't be afraid to ask questions, practice regularly, and consult a grammar guide when you're unsure. With a little effort, you can become a grammar pro!

Conclusion: "The News Is" the Way to Go!

So, to wrap it all up: stick with "The news is." It's the grammatically correct and widely accepted way to use the word in modern English. Now you can confidently discuss the latest headlines without worrying about making a grammar faux pas. Go forth and spread the (grammatically correct) news! You've got this!