"2 percent is" vs "2 percent are"

Question

"2 percent is" vs "2 percent are"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. '2 percent is' is used when referring to a singular entity or a singular concept represented by the percentage. '2 percent are' is used when referring to a plural entity or multiple items represented by the percentage.

Last Updated: March 23, 2024

Use '2 percent is' when talking about a singular entity or concept represented by the percentage, such as '2 percent is the standard rate.'

Examples:

2 percent is the maximum allowed error rate.
2 percent is a small portion of the total.
2 percent is considered a significant increase.

Alternatives:

2 percent represents
2 percent equals

Use '2 percent are' when talking about a plural entity or multiple items represented by the percentage, such as '2 percent are the students who passed the exam.'

Examples:

2 percent are the people who prefer tea over coffee.
2 percent are the houses with blue roofs.
2 percent are the items that need to be replaced.

Alternatives:

2 percent represent
2 percent make up

Answer 1

2 percent is

This phrase is correct when referring to a singular entity or concept represented by the percentage.

Answer 2

2 percent are

This phrase is correct when referring to a plural entity or multiple items represented by the percentage.

"2 percent is" vs "2 percent are"

2 percent is

2 percent are

Related Comparisons