Some Is vs. Some Are – Which is Correct?

Use “some is” when some refers to an uncountable substance or one amount; use “some are” when it refers to multiple countable people or things. The verb agrees with the implied noun, not with some itself. Therefore, “Some of the water is cold,” but “Some of the apples are ripe.”

Some Is or Some Are – Which Is Correct?

Both “some is” and “some are” are grammatically correct. The correct choice depends on whether some refers to a singular or uncountable noun, or to plural countable nouns.

Use “some is” when the implied noun is uncountable or represents one collective amount. Use “some are” when the implied noun refers to two or more separate, countable items, people, or animals.

For example, “Some of the furniture is damaged” is correct because furniture is uncountable. However, “Some of the chairs are damaged” is correct because chairs is a plural countable noun.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

Look at the noun after of, or mentally supply the noun if it is omitted. If that noun would take is, use some is. If it would take are, use some are.

Use this swap test:

• Some of the milk is missing. → The milk is missing.
• Some of the bottles are missing. → The bottles are missing.

The key question is not whether some looks singular or plural. Instead, identify what some represents.

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
some is	Determiner or pronoun + singular verb	A portion, amount, or uncountable substance exists or has a quality	Some of the information is inaccurate.
some are	Determiner or pronoun + plural verb	Several people, animals, or countable things exist or have a quality	Some of the reports are inaccurate.

How to Use Some Is

Use “some is” when some refers to an uncountable noun, an unspecified amount, or a single portion considered as one unit. Common uncountable nouns include water, advice, information, money, equipment, and research.

This construction is standard in both formal and casual English. It frequently appears in sentences using the pattern some of + uncountable noun + is.

Example 1: Some of the coffee is still hot.

Example 2: Some of the advice is difficult to follow.

Example 3: Some of the budget is reserved for emergencies.

Etymology of the Phrase Some Is

The word some comes from Old English sum, meaning “a certain amount” or “a certain number.” The verb is comes from an ancient form of the verb meaning “to be.” Their combination follows the long-standing English rule that a singular or uncountable subject takes the singular form of the verb.

How to Use Some Are

Use “some are” when some refers to more than one countable person, animal, or object. The plural noun may appear after of, or it may be understood from the previous context.

This construction is natural in everyday speech and writing, and it is also appropriate in formal English. It is especially useful when distinguishing a portion of a larger group.

Example 1: Some of the students are preparing for the examination.

Example 2: Some are ready to leave, but others want to stay.

Example 3: Some of the proposed changes are unnecessary.

Etymology of the Phrase Some Are

Some originated from Old English sum, which expressed an indefinite number or quantity. Are developed from an old plural form of the verb to be. Together, the words follow the modern English agreement rule requiring a plural verb for plural countable subjects.

Related Concepts

Understanding countability and subject–verb agreement makes the difference between some is and some are much easier to recognize.

• Countable nouns: These nouns refer to separate items that can be counted, such as books, employees, and ideas. They normally take plural verbs when used in the plural.
• Uncountable nouns: These nouns refer to substances, concepts, or quantities viewed as a whole, such as water, equipment, and information. They normally take singular verbs.
• Subject–verb agreement: A verb must agree with the subject in number. A singular or uncountable subject takes is, while a plural subject takes are.
• Pronoun use: Some can function without an expressed noun when the meaning is clear from context. The missing noun still determines whether the verb should be singular or plural.

Examples from Media and Literature

Writers in journalism, fiction, film dialogue, and nonfiction use both forms according to the noun represented by some.

• News reporting: “Some of the evidence is being reviewed by investigators.” Here, evidence is an uncountable noun.
• Historical nonfiction: “Some of the records are preserved in a national archive.” Here, records is plural and countable.
• Film dialogue: “Some is still left in the kitchen.” The speaker is referring to one uncountable substance, such as food or coffee.
• Fictional narration: “Some are afraid of the forest, while others enter it willingly.” The omitted noun refers to multiple people or creatures.
• Science writing: “Some of the research is preliminary, but some of the findings are consistent.” The first clause treats research as uncountable; the second treats findings as plural.

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct phrase to complete each sentence: some is or some are.

1. Some of the equipment ___ stored in the laboratory.
2. Some of the machines ___ operating normally.
3. Some ___ concerned about the proposed rule.
4. Some of the information ___ out of date.
5. Some of the photographs ___ missing from the album.

Answer Key

1. some is — Equipment is an uncountable noun.
2. some are — Machines is a plural countable noun.
3. some are — The omitted subject refers to multiple people.
4. some is — Information is uncountable.
5. some are — Photographs is plural and countable.

Some Is Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
A portion is	One part of a whole exists or has a particular quality.
Part of it is	A section or amount of one thing is being discussed.
A certain amount is	An unspecified quantity of an uncountable substance or concept is involved.

Some Are Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Several are	More than two, but not necessarily all, are involved.
A few are	A small number of people or things are involved.
Certain ones are	Specific members of a larger group are being identified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is “some is” grammatically correct?
Yes. “Some is” is correct when some refers to an uncountable noun or one amount, as in “Some of the water is polluted.”

Question 2: Is “some are” grammatically correct?
Yes. “Some are” is correct when some refers to multiple countable nouns or people, as in “Some of the trees are damaged.”

Question 3: Should I say “some of the people is” or “some of the people are”?
Say “some of the people are.” People is a plural countable noun, so it requires the plural verb are.

Question 4: Should I say “some of the money is” or “some of the money are”?
Say “some of the money is.” Money is generally treated as an uncountable noun, so it takes the singular verb is.

Conclusion

Both “some is” and “some are” are correct expressions. Choose some is for an uncountable noun or a single amount, and choose some are for plural countable nouns or multiple people and things. Pro Tip: Checking subject–verb agreement before publishing helps your writing appear polished, accurate, and professional.