What is used with pants, is or are? The correct verb form to use with "pants" is "are." In English, "pants" is considered a plural noun, even though it refers to a single item of clothing. Therefore, you would say, "The pants are comfortable," not "The pants is comfortable."

Why Are Pants Considered Plural?

The word "pants" is a plural noun due to historical reasons. Originally, pants were considered a pair of garments, one for each leg, similar to "scissors" or "glasses." Even though they are now a single piece of clothing, the plural form has persisted. This is why phrases like "My pants are new" are grammatically correct.

Examples of Plural Nouns with Singular Meaning

English includes several plural nouns that refer to singular items. Here are a few examples:

• Scissors: "The scissors are sharp."
• Glasses: "My glasses are on the table."
• Trousers: "Those trousers are stylish."

These items share a commonality in that they typically consist of two parts joined together, reinforcing the use of plural verbs.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When learning English, it’s easy to get confused about whether to use "is" or "are" with certain nouns. Here are some tips to avoid common mistakes:

• Remember the Plural Form: If a noun like "pants" seems singular but is plural in form, use "are."
• Practice with Examples: Create sentences with nouns like "pants," "scissors," and "glasses" to get comfortable using them correctly.
• Check Context: If unsure, consider the context. If it feels like a single item but is historically plural, "are" is likely the correct choice.

Related Grammatical Rules

When to Use "Is" or "Are"?

The choice between "is" and "are" depends on whether the subject is singular or plural. Here are some guidelines:

• Use "is" for singular subjects: "The cat is sleeping."
• Use "are" for plural subjects: "The cats are sleeping."

Singular Nouns with Plural Verbs

Some singular nouns take plural verbs, especially in British English. For instance, "The team are winning" is correct in British English, while "The team is winning" is often preferred in American English.

Practical Examples

• Correct: "These pants are too long."
• Incorrect: "This pants is too long."

By practicing with these examples, you can improve your grammatical accuracy and avoid common mistakes.

People Also Ask

Why Do We Say "A Pair of Pants"?

The phrase "a pair of pants" originates from the time when pants had two separate legs that were put on individually. This expression has persisted even as pants evolved into a single garment.

Are There Other Clothing Items Like Pants?

Yes, other clothing items such as shorts, jeans, and tights also use plural verbs. For example, "My shorts are blue."

How Do You Refer to a Single Pant Leg?

A single pant leg is often referred to simply as a "leg" of the pants. For instance, "The left leg of my pants is torn."

Is "Pants" Singular or Plural in Other Languages?

In many languages, the equivalent of "pants" is singular. For example, in French, "pantalon" is singular, while in Spanish, "pantalones" is plural.

Can "Pants" Be Used in Singular Form?

In casual or informal contexts, you might hear "pant" used as a singular form, especially in fashion or retail. However, in standard English, "pants" remains plural.

Conclusion

Understanding why "pants" and similar nouns use plural verbs can enhance your English grammar skills. By recognizing the historical and linguistic reasons behind these forms, you can avoid common mistakes and communicate more effectively. For further exploration, consider reading about other plural nouns with singular meanings or practicing with additional examples to solidify your understanding.