The Rest Is vs. The Rest Are – Which is Correct?
When “the rest” refers to one uncountable substance or a singular thing, use “is.” When it refers to multiple people or countable things, use “are.” Thus, both “the rest is” and “the rest are” are correct, depending on the noun understood. Match the verb to the meaning of “rest” in each sentence.
The Rest Is or The Rest Are: Which Is Correct?
Both “the rest is” and “the rest are” are correct expressions in American English. The correct choice depends on what the rest represents.
Use “the rest is” when the rest refers to a singular noun or an uncountable amount. Use “the rest are” when it refers to two or more separate people, animals, or countable objects.
- The rest is cold. (The remaining soup is cold.)
- The rest are waiting outside. (The remaining people are waiting outside.)
The word rest can function as a collective noun. Its grammatical number changes according to the noun or group it represents. Do not choose the verb merely because rest ends in a consonant or sounds like a plural idea; identify the implied noun first.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the replacement test: silently replace the rest with the noun it represents. If that noun would take is, use “the rest is.” If it would take are, use “the rest are.”
- The rest of the cake is delicious. → The cake is delicious.
- The rest of the cookies are delicious. → The cookies are delicious.
A quick mnemonic is: one amount is; separate items are. An uncountable mass is treated as singular, while multiple countable items take the plural verb.
| Phrase | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| The rest is | Noun phrase + singular verb | The remaining amount or singular thing | The rest is in the refrigerator. |
| The rest are | Noun phrase + plural verb | The remaining people or countable things | The rest are in the parking lot. |
How to Use “The Rest Is”
Use “the rest is” when the rest refers to an uncountable substance, an unspecified amount, a singular object, or a single idea. Common uncountable nouns include water, money, food, information, and time.
This construction is common in both formal and casual English. It often appears when a speaker divides something into a known portion and whatever remains.
Example 1: The rest is stored in the freezer.
Example 2: I paid the deposit today, and the rest is due next month.
Example 3: The rest is history.
In the sentence “The rest is history,” the rest refers to the remaining story or events as one general idea, so the singular verb is is appropriate.
Etymology of the phrase “the rest is”
Rest comes from Old French reste, meaning what remains, and ultimately from Latin restare, meaning “to remain” or “to stand back.” The phrase the rest developed as a way to identify what remains after a part has been removed, selected, or discussed. The verb is is used when that remainder is grammatically singular or uncountable.
How to Use “The Rest Are”
Use “the rest are” when the rest refers to multiple countable people, animals, or objects. The plural verb makes clear that the remaining group consists of separate units.
This construction is natural in formal and informal writing. It is especially common when a sentence contrasts one person or object with several others.
Example 1: One student has submitted the assignment, but the rest are still working.
Example 2: I kept two photographs and donated the rest to the museum.
Example 3: One of the chairs is broken, but the rest are perfectly usable.
In each example, the rest refers to multiple countable items or people. The implied nouns are students, photographs, and chairs, so the plural verb are is required.
Etymology of the phrase “the rest are”
The noun rest has the same origin in “the rest are” as in “the rest is.” The difference comes from subject-verb agreement. When English speakers use the rest for several separate countable entities, the phrase takes the plural verb are.
Related Concepts
Understanding subject-verb agreement and countability makes it easier to choose between “the rest is” and “the rest are.”
- Subject-verb agreement: A verb should agree with its subject in number. Singular subjects take singular verbs, while plural subjects take plural verbs.
- Countable and uncountable nouns: Countable nouns refer to separate units, such as books or employees. Uncountable nouns refer to substances, concepts, or amounts, such as water, information, or money.
- Collective noun phrases: Phrases such as the rest, the majority, and the remainder can represent either a singular amount or multiple individuals, depending on context.
- Ellipsis: In many sentences, the noun after the rest of is omitted because it is already understood. The hidden noun still determines whether the verb should be singular or plural.
Examples from Media and Literature
The distinction appears in familiar literary expressions, journalism, and everyday media language. The following examples show how the implied noun controls the verb.
- Literature: Shakespeare’s famous line from Hamlet, “The rest is silence,” uses is because the rest refers to the remaining matter as one abstract idea.
- News reporting: A report might state, “One suspect was arrested, while the rest are still being questioned.” Here, the rest refers to several suspects.
- Film dialogue: A character might say, “I have explained the important part; the rest is up to you.” The remaining decision or outcome is treated as one situation.
- Sports coverage: A commentator could say, “Two players scored, and the rest are defending.” The implied noun is plural: players.
- Travel writing: A guide might explain, “The rest of the luggage is on the bus,” referring to luggage as an uncountable category.
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct phrase, “the rest is” or “the rest are,” to complete each sentence.
- One slice has been served, and __________ in the refrigerator.
- I have spent half the budget, but __________ available for supplies.
- Three guests have arrived, and __________ on their way.
- She kept one document and shredded __________.
- Most of the furniture has been delivered, but __________ still in storage.
Answer Key
- the rest is — The implied noun is singular: the cake or another singular food item.
- the rest is — The implied noun is an amount of money, which is uncountable.
- the rest are — The implied noun is plural: guests.
- the rest — The complete sentence is “She kept one document and shredded the rest.” The verb shredded is past tense and does not show the is/are distinction.
- the rest is — The implied noun is furniture, an uncountable noun.
“The Rest Is” Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| The remainder is | The remaining amount or part is |
| What remains is | The part left over is |
| The balance is | The amount still owed or remaining is |
| The remainder consists of | The remaining portion contains or includes |
“The Rest Are” Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| The others are | The remaining people or things are |
| The remaining ones are | The remaining countable items are |
| The remainder consists of | The remaining group includes or is made up of |
| Those left are | The people or objects that remain are |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “the rest is” grammatically correct?
Yes. Use “the rest is” when the rest refers to a singular thing, an uncountable noun, or one general idea. For example: “The rest is confidential.”
Question 2: Is “the rest are” grammatically correct?
Yes. Use “the rest are” when the rest refers to multiple countable people, animals, or objects. For example: “The rest are waiting outside.”
Question 3: Should I say “the rest of the information is” or “the rest of the information are”?
Say “the rest of the information is.” Information is an uncountable noun, so it takes the singular verb is.
Question 4: Should I say “the rest of the students is” or “the rest of the students are”?
Say “the rest of the students are.” Students is a plural countable noun, so it takes are.
Question 5: Is “the rest” singular or plural?
It can be either, depending on its meaning. It is singular when it refers to one amount or an uncountable mass, and plural when it refers to several separate countable entities.
Conclusion
Both “the rest is” and “the rest are” are correct. Choose is for a singular or uncountable remainder, such as the rest of the money or the rest of the cake. Choose are for multiple countable items or people, such as the rest of the employees or the rest of the books. Pro Tip: Replace the rest with its implied noun before choosing the verb; this quick check helps you avoid agreement errors in professional writing.
