Is Vs. Are After 'That': The Ultimate Grammar Guide

Grammar Rules and Usage: Deciphering "Is" vs. "Are" After "That"

Alright, grammar gurus and language lovers, let's dive into a tricky little linguistic puzzle: when to use "is" versus "are" after the word "that" in a sentence like "the efficacy of the treatments that is/are effective." I get it, the nuances of English can be a real head-scratcher sometimes. This particular construction often trips people up, and you're definitely not alone if you've ever paused to ponder which verb to choose. The good news is, there's a clear-cut rule (or two!) to help you navigate this grammatical minefield. Think of it as your personal guide to avoiding those awkward "is" or "are" moments. The key lies in understanding the relationship between "that" and the noun or pronoun it's referencing. Let's break it down into simple steps, so you can confidently choose the correct verb every single time.

Understanding the Core Concept: The fundamental rule here is all about subject-verb agreement. The verb you use ("is" or "are") needs to agree in number (singular or plural) with the subject of the relative clause introduced by "that." So, instead of just looking at the word immediately before "that," you need to figure out what "that" is referring back to. This is where things can get a little tricky, and this is where most people stumble. But don't worry; we'll go through some examples to make it crystal clear. Keep in mind that the phrase introduced by "that" acts like an adjective clause, providing extra information about a noun in the main clause.

Singular vs. Plural Subjects: If "that" refers back to a singular noun, then you use "is." If "that" refers back to a plural noun, you use "are." It's as simple as that. However, identifying the correct subject of the relative clause is the real challenge. Let's go back to the initial sentence: "the efficacy of the treatments that is/are effective." In this case, "that" is referring to the treatments, which is plural. The correct sentence is therefore, "the efficacy of the treatments that are effective." You wouldn't say "the efficacy of the treatments that is effective" because "treatments" is not singular. You are essentially saying "the treatments are effective." Let’s look at a different example. Let's say you're talking about a specific treatment option, and you say "the only treatment that is/are available." Here, "that" refers to "treatment," which is singular. So, the correct sentence is "the only treatment that is available." You're really saying "the treatment is available." The key takeaway here is to identify what "that" is describing. Is it a singular thing, or multiple things? The answer to that question determines whether you use "is" or "are."

Examples and Practical Application: Let's explore a few more examples to solidify this concept. Consider the sentence: "the book that is/are on the shelf." Here, "that" refers to "book," which is singular. Therefore, the correct sentence is "the book that is on the shelf." Conversely, consider the sentence: "the books that is/are on the shelf." In this instance, "that" refers to "books," a plural noun. Thus, the correct sentence is "the books that are on the shelf." Notice the difference in the subject of the relative clause. In the first example, the subject is a single book, thus necessitating the use of "is." In the second example, the subject is multiple books, requiring the use of "are." Another example: "The dog, that is/are friendly, is always wagging his tail." In this case, the sentence is referring to a single dog, and hence should be "The dog, that is friendly..." Always, always, always, identify the antecedent, the thing “that” refers back to. That is your secret weapon. Remember, the goal is to make sure the verb agrees with the subject of the clause introduced by "that." Once you can pinpoint the subject, the choice between "is" and "are" becomes straightforward.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Alright, so we've covered the basic rules. Now, let's talk about some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them. One of the biggest mistakes people make is getting tripped up by words that come before "that" but aren't actually the subject of the relative clause. For instance, in the sentence, "the list of items that is/are required," many people mistakenly focus on "items" (plural), leading them to use "are." However, "that" actually refers to "list" (singular). The correct sentence is "the list of items that is required." Always pay attention to what "that" is specifically referencing, not just the nearest noun. Another common mistake is overlooking the context. Sometimes, the meaning of the sentence can subtly change the subject. Let's say you're talking about a group of people: "the team, that is/are working hard." Now, consider whether you mean the entire team as a unit (singular) or individual members (plural). If you see the team as a single unit, then it is the team that is working hard. If you are talking about the members then the correct sentence is the team that are working hard. Context is the king! Always take a moment to consider what the sentence really means. What are you trying to communicate? This will help you determine the correct subject and verb.

Ignoring Prepositional Phrases: Prepositional phrases (phrases starting with prepositions like "of," "in," "with," etc.) can also cause confusion. They often come between the subject and the verb, making it harder to identify the true subject. Remember that prepositional phrases usually modify nouns or pronouns, but they are not the subject of the sentence. For example, "the quality of the apples that is/are good" "that" refers to "quality." The correct sentence is, therefore, "the quality of the apples that is good," despite the presence of "apples" which is plural. Avoid getting distracted by these extra words. Focus on the core meaning and the true subject. The best way to avoid these mistakes is practice. Write sentences, get feedback, and don't be afraid to ask questions. The more you practice, the more natural it will become. You'll start to automatically identify the subject and choose the correct verb without even thinking about it.

Using "Can" or "Will" as an Alternative: Now, you mentioned using "can" or "will" to circumvent the issue. While this is a valid and sometimes useful strategy, it’s important to understand why it works and when it's appropriate. Using "can" or "will" changes the sentence structure, often avoiding the need for subject-verb agreement with "that." For example, instead of saying "the treatments that are effective," you could say "the treatments that can be effective." This approach works because "can" and "will" are modal verbs, and they don't change based on the subject. They add a sense of possibility or future action. Sometimes, rewording a sentence to avoid a tricky grammatical construction is the clearest and most concise way to express your idea. However, if you really want to master this particular rule, you need to focus on identifying the subject of the relative clause. The goal is not to avoid the rule, but to understand it. Sometimes, using "can" or "will" is simply a stylistic choice, a way to make your writing sound more natural or conversational. But knowing how to correctly use "is" and "are" after "that" gives you more flexibility and control over your writing.

Focusing on Efficacy: In the example you mentioned about "efficacy," the key is to determine what "that" is referring to. If you're talking about the efficacy itself (a singular concept), you'd use "is." For example, you might say, "The efficacy of the treatment that is proven." However, if you're talking about the results or outcomes that demonstrate the efficacy, you might use "are." For instance, “the results that are indicative of its efficacy." Always identify the subject! Context is the key.

Advanced Considerations and Edge Cases

Let's delve a bit deeper and explore some advanced considerations and those tricky edge cases that can really put your grammar skills to the test. These are the nuances that separate good writers from great writers. One area to consider is the use of collective nouns. Collective nouns represent a group of individuals (e.g., team, family, committee). The tricky part? They can be treated as either singular or plural, depending on how you want to emphasize the group. If you're focusing on the group as a single unit, use a singular verb. If you're focusing on the individuals within the group, use a plural verb. Consider the sentence: "The committee that is/are meeting." If the committee is acting as a single entity, the correct sentence is “The committee that is meeting.” But if the members of the committee are having individual meetings and they are the focus of the sentence, then, "The committee that are meeting." These situations require careful thought and a keen understanding of the intended meaning.

The "One of the" Construction: Another area that often trips people up is sentences that begin with “one of the.” The rule? The verb following "that" should usually be plural. For example: "He is one of the people that are going." While “one” is singular, “that” refers to “people” (plural) in this sentence. This is because you are not just talking about one person, you are referring to the group of people in that specific context. Remember, the relative clause is providing extra information about a noun, and you must identify which noun it is modifying. Another tricky thing is using the word "there." If "there" is used as the subject of a sentence, the verb agrees with the actual subject that follows. For example, "There is/are many reasons." The correct sentence is "There are many reasons." The verb agrees with “reasons.” However, if the sentence is, “There is/are one reason,” the correct sentence is “There is one reason.” Always locate the real subject. Even the most seasoned writers can struggle with these constructions from time to time. The key is to stay vigilant, reread your work, and always question the subject-verb agreement.

Formal vs. Informal Writing: It's also worth noting that grammatical conventions can sometimes vary depending on the level of formality. In very formal writing, you might be more likely to adhere strictly to the rules of subject-verb agreement. In informal writing, you might find some flexibility. However, it's generally best to stick to the established rules, especially if you're writing for an academic or professional audience. Understanding the nuances of when to bend the rules and when to stick to them is a mark of a skilled writer. While grammatical rules are essential, the goal is to write clearly and effectively. Don't let perfect grammar get in the way of conveying your message. The best writing blends accuracy and clarity with a natural, engaging style. This is the sweet spot you should aim for. Don't be afraid to consult grammar resources when you're unsure, and always be open to learning and improving your skills.

Continuous Learning: Finally, remember that language is constantly evolving. New words and phrases emerge, and usage patterns can shift over time. The best way to stay on top of these changes is to be a lifelong learner. Read widely, pay attention to how others use language, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Embrace the challenge of mastering the English language, and enjoy the journey. As you grow, you’ll develop a better "ear" for the language, and your intuition will guide you more and more. Keep practicing, stay curious, and always strive to improve. The rewards of clear, effective communication are well worth the effort.

Conclusion: Mastering "Is" vs. "Are" after "That"

So, to wrap things up, let's reiterate the key takeaway: When choosing between "is" and "are" after "that," focus on the subject of the relative clause. Does "that" refer to a singular noun (use "is") or a plural noun (use "are")? Practice and pay attention to the nuances of your writing. Remember, even the most skilled writers occasionally stumble. It's the learning process that matters. With a little practice and attention to detail, you can confidently navigate this grammatical challenge and become a more fluent and confident communicator. You've got this! Keep writing, keep learning, and enjoy the process of mastering the English language.