Which of the Following Statements [Are] or [Is] True?

Which of the following statements is correct? When writing, communicating, or speaking, we often face sentences or questions that seem simple at first glance, but when scrutinized, they involve some subtle intricacies of the English language.

One such example is the question “Which of the following statements are [or] is true?” This question might seem easy to answer, but it can be a bit tricky, depending on the context, especially when it comes to subject-verb agreement.

The phrase “which of the following statements [are] or [is] true” sparks confusion for many, primarily because it questions the correct form of the verb (“are” or “is”) to use in the sentence. Is it “are” or “is”?

Is there a rule that dictates which one is correct, or does it depend on other factors? Let’s dive deep into this question and explore the correct usage and the reasoning behind it.

Explanation

Understanding subject-verb agreement is essential to answering this question correctly. In English, subject-verb agreement requires the verb to match the subject in terms of number—whether the subject is singular or plural. Here’s where things can get complicated:

• Singular Subject: A singular subject (one item or thing) takes a singular verb.
• Plural Subject: A plural subject (more than one item or thing) takes a plural verb.

Now, when we look at the phrase “which of the following statements,” we see the word “statements,” which is plural. Thus, we might initially think that the verb should always be “are,” since it is plural. However, the confusion arises because of the word “which,” which makes the subject more abstract and less straightforward.

The Subject Behind the Sentence

To figure out whether “are” or “is” is the correct verb, we need to identify the subject of the sentence. The phrase “Which of the following statements” suggests that the subject of the sentence is the statement (a singular entity), not “statements.” So, the subject is technically singular.

For example:

• “Which of the following statements is true?” (Correct when speaking of a singular statement being true from the options given.)

The “which” refers to a singular entity (the statement) even though it’s preceded by a plural noun. This is a nuance of English grammar: when “which” is used with a plural noun or list, it can still refer to one singular item in the list at a time.

An Exception

However, this doesn’t mean that “are” can never be used. If the context clearly implies multiple things are being discussed, the plural verb form can be acceptable.

For example:

• “Which of the following statements are true?” (Correct when referring to multiple statements that could be true from a list.)

Here, the question is asking about multiple true statements, and the subject is plural (statements), so “are” is the correct choice.

Summary

The choice between “are” and “is” hinges on the subject of the sentence. In most cases:

• If you’re referring to one statement being true, you’ll use “is.”
• If you’re referring to multiple statements being true, you’ll use “are.”

This nuance can lead to confusion, but understanding the underlying subject will guide your verb choice.

Examples

Let’s break down some examples to clarify when and why to use “are” or “is.”

Example 1: Singular Statement

• Question: “Which of the following statements is true?”
  • Explanation: You are asking about one specific statement that is true. Therefore, the verb should be singular—”is.”

Example 2: Plural Statements

• Question: “Which of the following statements are true?”
  • Explanation: You are asking about more than one statement. So, the verb is plural—”are.”

Example 3: Multiple Options, Singular Focus

• Question: “Which of the following answers is correct?”
  • Explanation: In this case, the question is asking about one correct answer from multiple options. The subject “answer” is singular, so “is” is correct.

Example 4: Multiple Options, Plural Focus

• Question: “Which of the following answers are correct?”
  • Explanation: This question implies that more than one answer could be correct. The subject is plural, so the verb “are” is appropriate.

Example 5: A List of Statements, Singular Focus

• Question: “Which of the following statements is accurate?”
  • Explanation: This phrase focuses on one statement being accurate from the list, so “is” works best.

Example 6: A List of Statements, Plural Focus

• Question: “Which of the following statements are accurate?”
  • Explanation: This implies that several statements could be accurate, so “are” is correct.

FAQ

1. Is “which of the following statements is correct” always singular?

• Yes, the verb should be singular (“is”) when you refer to one correct statement from the list. This is because the subject of the sentence is singular, despite being part of a list.

2. Can I ever use “are” when asking about multiple statements?

• Yes, if you refer to more than one statement being true or correct, then “are” is the appropriate verb to use. For example, “Which of the following statements are true?”

3. Why is it “Which of the following is correct?” instead of “Which of the following are correct?”

• “Which” is the key word here, and it serves as the subject, referring to one specific item from the list. When you’re asking about just one thing, the verb should be singular, even if you are referencing a list of options.

4. What is the rule for using “is” or “are” in this context?

• The verb choice depends on whether the subject (the thing you’re referring to) is singular or plural. Even though “which of the following” implies a group, the verb will match the singular or plural nature of the subject.

5. How can I ensure I’m using the correct verb form in similar sentences?

• Pay attention to the subject of the sentence, not just the word “which.” Identify whether you’re talking about one thing or multiple things. This will guide you in choosing “is” or “are.”

Conclusion

When you encounter a sentence such as “Which of the following statements [are] or [is] true?” the key lies in recognizing the subject of the sentence. In most cases, “which” will refer to one of the items from a list, making the subject singular, and thus, “is” is typically the correct choice. However, when you’re referring to multiple options, “are” will be appropriate.

Understanding subject-verb agreement and focusing on what the question is truly asking about can help you avoid confusion. So, whether you’re asking about “which one is correct?” or “which of the following are true?” the subtle details in English grammar will guide you toward a more accurate and clearer expression.

By keeping these rules in mind and applying them thoughtfully, you’ll ensure that your sentences are grammatically sound and convey your intended meaning effectively.