As an expert in the field of English linguistics, I can provide you with a detailed answer to your question.

In English, the word "are" is a form of the verb "to be" and it is used as the second person singular and plural, as well as the first and third person plural. For example, "you are" (second person singular or plural), "we are" (first person plural), and "they are" (third person plural). However, "is" is the third person singular form of "to be," as in "he is," "she is," or "it is."

So, to answer your question directly: "are" is plural when referring to more than one person or thing, and it can also be singular when referring to "you" in the second person. "Is," on the other hand, is singular when referring to a single person or thing.

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So when "was" follows a plural singular noun, such as team, group, league, etc., "was" is plural. On the other hand, "were" is a plural verb in most instances other than the subjunctive tense when it can be a singular verb.read more >>