The Following Are vs. The Following Is – Which is Correct?
When a list or multiple items follows, use “the following are”: “The following are required documents.” Use “the following is” when one item, statement, or explanation follows: “The following is required.” Agreement depends on the noun or idea after the phrase, not on “following” itself. Both forms are correct here.
The Following Are or Is: Which Is Correct?
“The following are” and “the following is” are both correct. Choose the form of be that agrees with what follows. Use “the following are” before a plural list or several items. Use “the following is” before one singular item, one statement, or one general explanation.
For example, write “The following are the main causes” when naming multiple causes. Write “The following is the main cause” when identifying one cause. In some formal writing, “the following” introduces an entire statement or explanation treated as one idea, so “the following is” is appropriate.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Look immediately after the following. If the word or idea is plural, use are; if it is singular or represents one complete idea, use is. A simple swap test is to replace “the following” with “these items” or “this item.” “These items are” requires are, while “this item is” requires is.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| are | Plural present form of the verb “be” | Used with plural subjects | The following are the required steps. |
| is | Singular present form of the verb “be” | Used with singular subjects or one idea | The following is an important reminder. |
How to Use “The Following Are”
Use “the following are” when the phrase introduces two or more people, objects, reasons, requirements, examples, or other plural elements. This construction is common in formal, academic, business, legal, and instructional writing. It is especially useful before a colon and a bulleted or numbered list.
Example 1: The following are the documents needed to complete the application.
Example 2: The following are three reasons to revise the proposal.
Example 3: The following are included in the annual report: financial statements, audit notes, and management commentary.
What Are the Different Forms of “Are”?
Are is a present-tense form of the irregular verb be. It is used with the pronouns you, we, and they, as well as plural nouns. It can function as a linking verb, as in “The following are accurate,” or as an auxiliary verb, as in “The following are being reviewed.”
The main forms of be include be, am, is, are, was, were, being, and been. In the phrase “the following are,” are is selected because the implied or stated subject is plural.
Etymology of the Word “Are”
Are developed from ancient forms of the verb be, one of the oldest and most irregular verbs in English. Its history can be traced through Germanic languages and earlier Indo-European forms. The modern form became associated primarily with plural subjects and with you.
How to Use “The Following Is”
Use “the following is” when one singular noun, one item, or one complete thought follows. It is also natural when “the following” refers to an explanation, conclusion, instruction, or statement as a single unit. This form appears frequently in formal and professional prose.
When a singular noun follows, the agreement is straightforward: “The following is the correct procedure.” When a colon introduces a quotation or complete sentence, “the following is” often treats the material that follows as one statement.
Example 1: The following is the recommended procedure for submitting a claim.
Example 2: The following is an excerpt from the organization’s policy manual.
Example 3: The following is true: every applicant must provide valid identification.
What Are the Different Forms of “Is”?
Is is the third-person singular present-tense form of the irregular verb be. It is used with singular nouns and with the pronouns he, she, and it. In “the following is,” the word is can link “the following” to one singular complement or to one complete idea.
Like are, is can serve as either a linking verb or an auxiliary verb. For example, “The following is correct” uses it as a linking verb, while “The following is being considered” uses it as part of a verb phrase.
Etymology of the Word “Is”
Is also comes from the ancient verb be. It developed from old Germanic and Indo-European forms associated with existence or identity. Although its meaning is simple, it remains irregular because English preserves several historically different forms of this very old verb.
Related Concepts
Understanding subject–verb agreement and the difference between singular and plural complements makes it easier to choose between “the following are” and “the following is.”
- Subject–verb agreement: A verb should match its subject in number. Plural subjects take are, while singular subjects generally take is.
- Singular collective ideas: A quotation, explanation, instruction, or entire statement may be treated as one idea and therefore take is.
- Plural nouns: Words such as items, reasons, examples, and requirements normally require are.
- Introductory lists: A phrase before a colon can introduce either one item or multiple items. The number of the introduced content determines whether is or are is appropriate.
Examples from Media and Literature
The following examples reflect common uses in journalism, books, reports, educational writing, and public announcements:
- News reporting: “The following are the key developments in the investigation.” The plural form introduces several developments.
- Historical writing: “The following is an account of the expedition.” The singular form introduces one account.
- Film or documentary narration: “The following are scenes from the original production.” The phrase refers to multiple scenes.
- Academic writing: “The following is a summary of the author’s central argument.” The summary is treated as one item.
- Public notices: “The following are prohibited in the examination room: phones, notes, and recording devices.” The plural form introduces several prohibited objects.
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct word to complete each sentence.
- The following ___ the most common causes of the problem. (is / are)
- The following ___ an example of proper citation style. (is / are)
- The following ___ required before registration can be completed: a photo ID and proof of address. (is / are)
- The following ___ the conclusion reached by the review committee. (is / are)
- The following ___ several factors that may affect the result. (is / are)
Answer Key
- are — “Causes” is plural.
- is — “An example” is singular.
- are — Multiple documents or items follow.
- is — “The conclusion” is singular.
- are — “Several factors” is plural.
“The Following Are” Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| These are | Introduces or identifies multiple items. |
| The items below are | Refers specifically to several items appearing later or lower in the text. |
| Included below are | Signals that multiple items will be presented next. |
| Listed here are | Introduces several named or enumerated items. |
“The Following Is” Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| This is | Introduces or identifies one item or idea. |
| The item below is | Refers to one item appearing later or lower in the text. |
| Included below is | Signals that one item will be presented next. |
| Presented here is | Introduces one statement, example, document, or idea. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Should I write “the following are” before a list?
Yes. Use “the following are” when the list contains multiple items, such as “The following are the required materials.”
Question 2: Should I write “the following is” before a list?
Usually not if the list contains multiple items. Use “the following is” when one item, one document, one explanation, or one complete statement follows.
Question 3: Is “the following is” grammatically correct before a colon?
Yes, if the material after the colon is treated as one statement or idea. For example: “The following is essential: employees must complete the training.”
Question 4: Is “following” the subject in these sentences?
No. “Following” functions as an adjective or determiner meaning “coming next” or “listed below.” The choice between is and are depends on the singular or plural idea being introduced.
Conclusion
Both “the following are” and “the following is” are correct. Choose are for multiple items and is for one item or one complete idea. Pro Tip: Checking subject–verb agreement in professional writing improves clarity and protects your credibility with readers, clients, and colleagues.
