*is
The word 'is' tells us what someone or something is doing or what they are like.
Explanation at your level:
You use is for one person or thing. Example: She is happy. The book is on the table. It is very easy to use!
We use is to describe people and places. It is the most common verb in English. You can use it to talk about age, feelings, or locations.
Beyond basic descriptions, is helps us build the present continuous tense. It is essential for talking about ongoing actions, like The rain is falling.
At this level, you will notice is in passive voice constructions. It allows for more complex sentence structures where the focus shifts to the object.
In advanced writing, is acts as a philosophical anchor. It defines existence and identity in complex arguments, often appearing in formal essays and literature.
Mastery of is involves understanding its role in existential clauses and subtle nuance. It is the bedrock of logical propositions and definitive statements in academic discourse.
30秒でわかる単語
- Used for singular subjects.
- Acts as a linking verb.
- Helps form continuous tenses.
- Most common English verb.
Think of is as the glue of the English language. It acts as a bridge between a subject and its description, identity, or state of being.
When we say The cat is sleepy, we are using it as a linking verb to tell you about the cat's state. When we say He is eating, we use it as an auxiliary verb to help show that an action is happening right now.
The word is has incredibly ancient roots. It traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root *es-, which simply means 'to be.'
It has cousins in almost every major European language, such as ist in German and est in Latin. It has remained one of the most stable and frequently used words in English for over a thousand years.
You use is exclusively with singular subjects like he, she, it, or a single noun. You would never say 'they is'—that is a common grammar trap!
It is used in almost every formal and casual context, from The meeting is at noon to Life is beautiful.
Idioms often rely on 'is' to set the scene. For example, 'It is what it is' means accepting a situation you cannot change.
Another common one is 'Is that so?', which is a polite way of expressing surprise or asking for confirmation.
In British and American English, the IPA is /ɪz/. It is often unstressed in fast speech, sounding more like a soft 'z' sound.
It rhymes with his, quiz, and fizz. Remember, it is strictly for singular subjects; use are for plural subjects.
Fun Fact
It is the most frequently used verb in the English language.
Pronunciation Guide
Short 'i' sound followed by a voiced 'z'.
Very similar to UK, often sounds like 'iz'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing it like 'iss' (unvoiced)
- Over-emphasizing the word
- Confusing with 'his'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Very easy
Very easy
Very easy
Very easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
上級
Grammar to Know
Subject-Verb Agreement
He is.
Present Continuous
He is running.
Existential 'There'
There is one.
Examples by Level
He is my brother.
He (singular) + is
Subject-verb agreement
The cat is black.
The cat (singular) + is
Linking verb
She is a doctor.
She (singular) + is
Identity
It is cold today.
It (weather) + is
Dummy subject
The apple is red.
The apple (singular) + is
State of being
My mom is kind.
My mom (singular) + is
Adjective link
The car is fast.
The car (singular) + is
Description
He is at home.
He (singular) + is
Location
The movie is great.
The food is delicious.
My friend is tall.
The train is late.
The sky is blue.
The teacher is here.
The dog is loud.
The room is clean.
The situation is becoming difficult.
What is the problem?
The project is finished.
The news is shocking.
The plan is to leave early.
It is important to study.
The reason is simple.
The door is locked.
The evidence is compelling.
The policy is being reviewed.
Success is defined by effort.
The atmosphere is tense.
The result is unexpected.
The truth is hidden.
The question is whether we go.
The house is being painted.
The crux of the matter is the budget.
The hypothesis is supported by data.
The silence is deafening.
The goal is to achieve harmony.
The reality is quite different.
The argument is logically sound.
The beauty is in the details.
The consensus is unanimous.
The essence of art is expression.
The implication is profound.
The paradox is inescapable.
The phenomenon is rare.
The justification is clear.
The nuance is subtle.
The irony is palpable.
The discourse is ongoing.
よく使う組み合わせ
Idioms & Expressions
"It is what it is"
Accepting a bad situation
I lost my job, but it is what it is.
casual"Is that so?"
Expressing surprise
You won the race? Is that so?
casual"As it is"
Already the case
We are busy as it is.
neutral"Is it not?"
Seeking agreement
It is a lovely day, is it not?
formal"Where there is a will, there is a way"
Determination leads to success
Keep trying; where there is a will, there is a way.
proverbial"Is that all?"
Asking if there is more
You finished the work? Is that all?
casualEasily Confused
both are 'to be'
singular vs plural
He is, they are.
both are 'to be'
present vs past
He is here, he was here.
rhyme
verb vs pronoun
He is his brother.
similar sound
existence vs possession
He is happy, he has a car.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + is + adjective
She is tall.
Subject + is + noun
He is a student.
Subject + is + -ing verb
It is raining.
There + is + singular noun
There is a cat.
Is + subject + adjective?
Is he ready?
語族
Verbs
関連
How to Use It
10
Formality Scale
よくある間違い
Subject is plural.
Needs continuous form.
Continuous verb form.
Redundant verb.
Tag question rule.
Tips
Singular Rule
Always check for one person or thing.
Continuous Tense
Use 'is' + verb-ing.
Soft Z
Don't say 'iss', say 'iz'.
Plural Trap
Never use 'is' with 'they' or 'we'.
History
It is thousands of years old.
Flashcards
Pair it with singular pronouns.
Visual
Think of a single point.
Literature
Look for it in poems.
Questions
Move 'is' to the front.
Practice
Describe your desk.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
I-S: I Stand for singular.
Visual Association
A single dot connecting two lines.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Write 5 sentences about your room using 'is'.
語源
Proto-Indo-European
Original meaning: To be/exist
文化的な背景
None
Essential for all communication.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at school
- The class is starting.
- The teacher is here.
- The book is open.
at work
- The meeting is at 9.
- The project is done.
- The boss is busy.
traveling
- The hotel is nice.
- The flight is delayed.
- The city is big.
daily life
- The coffee is hot.
- The day is long.
- Life is good.
Conversation Starters
"How is your day?"
"Is it raining outside?"
"Is this your book?"
"What is your favorite color?"
"Is the movie good?"
Journal Prompts
Describe your best friend using 'is'.
What is your favorite place?
Why is today special?
What is something you want to learn?
よくある質問
8 問No, always use 'are'.
Yes, it links subjects to descriptions.
Yes, it helps form continuous tenses.
Add 'not' (is not / isn't).
It is a form of 'be'.
Yes, in questions (Is he coming?).
No, use 'was'.
It is the most common verb.
自分をテスト
The cat ___ sleeping.
Cat is singular.
Which sentence is correct?
He is the only singular third-person subject.
Is 'is' used with plural subjects?
Use 'are' for plurals.
Word
意味
Match subjects to verbs.
Subject + verb + adjective.
スコア： /5
Summary
The word 'is' is the essential singular verb used to describe, identify, or show action.
- Used for singular subjects.
- Acts as a linking verb.
- Helps form continuous tenses.
- Most common English verb.
Singular Rule
Always check for one person or thing.
Continuous Tense
Use 'is' + verb-ing.
Soft Z
Don't say 'iss', say 'iz'.
Plural Trap
Never use 'is' with 'they' or 'we'.
