Below Is vs. Below Are – Which is Correct?
The choice between “below is” and “below are” depends entirely on the number of the subject that follows the verb. Use “below is” when the subject is singular, and “below are” when the subject is plural. Always ensure the verb agrees with the true subject, not the introductory word “below.”
Below Is or Below Are – Which is Correct?
The correct phrase, “below is” or “below are,” hinges on the principle of subject-verb agreement. In sentences that begin with “below,” the subject often appears after the verb. To determine the correct verb form, you must identify the actual subject of the sentence and ensure the verb (is/are) matches its number.
For instance, if the subject is singular (e.g., “the document”), you would use “below is.” If the subject is plural (e.g., “the documents”), you would use “below are.” The word “below” acts as an adverb indicating position and does not influence the verb’s number.
Similar principles of subject-verb agreement apply to other common introductory phrases, such as when deciding between Here Are vs. Here Is.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
The best trick to remember the difference is the “Swap Test.” Mentally rearrange the sentence so the subject comes before the verb. If the sentence still sounds correct, you’ve used the right verb. This helps you ignore “below” and focus on the true subject.
- “Below is the report.” (Swap Test: “The report is below.”) – “Report” is singular, so “is” is correct.
- “Below are the instructions.” (Swap Test: “The instructions are below.”) – “Instructions” is plural, so “are” is correct.
| Phrase | Grammatical Function | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below is | Introductory phrase + singular verb | Used when the subject that follows is singular. | Below is the updated policy. |
| Below are | Introductory phrase + plural verb | Used when the subject that follows is plural. | Below are the key findings. |
How to Use Below Is
“Below is” is used when the subject of the sentence, which typically appears after the verb in these constructions, is singular. This structure is common in formal and informal writing, especially when introducing a single item, concept, or piece of information that follows in the text.
The phrase maintains a clear, direct tone, directing the reader’s attention to the singular item being presented immediately after the verb “is.”
Example 1: Below is the chart illustrating quarterly sales performance.
Example 2: Below is a brief summary of our project goals for June 2026.
Example 3: Below is the single most important detail you need to remember.
Etymology of the word Below Is
The word “below” comes from Old English bīlofe, a compound of bī (by, near) and lofe (a variation of loft, meaning air, sky, or upper region). Over time, it evolved to mean “lower than” or “under.” “Is” is the third-person singular present indicative form of the verb “to be,” originating from Old English is and ultimately from Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European roots for existence.
How to Use Below Are
“Below are” is employed when the subject of the sentence, which follows the verb, is plural. This construction is frequently used to introduce multiple items, lists, instructions, or pieces of information. It is suitable for both formal and casual contexts, serving to guide the reader to a collection of data or details that follow.
Like “below is,” this phrase is straightforward, but it signals that the subsequent content will consist of more than one element.
Example 1: Below are the updated guidelines for employee benefits.
Example 2: Below are several reasons why we chose this particular vendor.
Example 3: Below are the names of all the participants in the workshop.
Etymology of the word Below Are
“Below” shares the same etymological roots as described above. “Are” is the second-person singular and plural, and third-person plural present indicative form of the verb “to be.” It comes from Old English aron or eart, and ultimately from Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European roots, indicating existence or state of being.
Related Concepts
Understanding these broader grammatical concepts will help you correctly use “below is” and “below are” in various contexts.
- Subject-Verb Agreement: This fundamental rule dictates that a verb must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject. Even when the subject comes after the verb, as it often does with “below is/are,” this rule remains paramount.
- Inverted Sentences: Sentences starting with “below” are examples of inverted sentences, where the typical subject-verb order is reversed (verb comes before the subject). This inversion can sometimes make identifying the true subject challenging, but the subject-verb agreement rule still applies.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “Below is a list of some of the most common ways to make your home more energy-efficient.” — The New York Times
- “Below are the steps to follow when preparing your tax return.” — From a government tax guide
- “Below is a compelling argument for the preservation of historical landmarks.” — From an architectural review journal
- “Below are detailed instructions for assembling the furniture.” — From a product manual
- “Below is the final decision from the committee.” — From a corporate memo
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
- Below (is/are) the minutes from our last meeting.
- Below (is/are) a clear explanation of the new policy.
- Below (is/are) the results of the customer satisfaction survey.
- Below (is/are) one important factor to consider.
- Below (is/are) the names of the award recipients.
Answer Key
- are
- is
- are
- is
- are
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Can I start a sentence with “Below is/are”?
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable and common to start a sentence with “Below is” or “Below are.” This construction is often used to introduce content that immediately follows in the text, such as lists, charts, or explanations.
Question 2: Does “below” count as the subject?
No, “below” is an adverb or preposition, not the subject of the sentence. In sentences starting with “below,” the actual subject typically appears after the verb “is” or “are.” You must identify this true subject to ensure proper subject-verb agreement.
Question 3: What if the subject is a collective noun?
If the subject is a collective noun (e.g., “team,” “committee,” “family”), the choice between “is” and “are” depends on whether the collective noun is acting as a single unit or as individual members. If it acts as a single unit, use “is” (e.g., “Below is the team’s decision”). If it refers to individual members, use “are” (e.g., “Below are the team members’ individual scores”).
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “below is” and “below are” boils down to a simple yet crucial rule: subject-verb agreement. Always identify the true subject that follows the verb, and if it’s singular, use “is”; if it’s plural, use “are.” This attention to detail ensures clarity and grammatical correctness in your writing.
Pro Tip: In professional communication, correctly applying subject-verb agreement in inverted sentences like those starting with “below” demonstrates a strong command of grammar, enhancing your credibility and ensuring your message is understood precisely.
