British is vs British are

Both 'British is' and 'British are' can be correct depending on the context. 'British is' is used when referring to the British people as a singular entity, while 'British are' is used when referring to the British people as a plural group.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 789 views

This phrase is correct when referring to the British people as a singular entity.

"British is"

Use 'British is' when talking about the British people as a collective singular noun.

Examples:

British is known for its love of tea.
The British is a diverse group of people.

Show examples from the web [+]

Subject: Just how British is BP?
Neither Scandinavian, Belgian nor British chocolate is dangerous.
This is British Naval Vessel HMS Suffolk...
The lock down at the British embassy is working.
The British Government is asking that you surrender yourself.
The British press is going nuts over the National Party member list.
The British Parliament is currently deliberating the Treaty.
That is why Germany is great and the British Empire is crumbling.
'So far, the British Government is maintaining a policy of absolute silence.
You know, not every British person is 007.
The full measure of British atrocity is too terrible to relate.
The full measure of british atrocity is too terrible to relate.
Or maybe british intelligence Isn't quite as ponderous as I thought.
The British army is advancing and pushing the French back on the Great Road.
British Gas is a large company with major bases in Leeds and Basingstoke.
He says the application process for non-British radiographers is too difficult and asks if there could be a quicker system.
Most of the British public is against the idea of a biometric national identity card.
The current French embargo on British beef is a worrying illustration of this.
It surprises me that the British government is only now considering using vaccination.
The British Government is currently planning the expansion, not a reduction, of nuclear activities at Sellafield.

Alternatives:

The British people are
The British nation is
The British population is
The British community is
The British society is

This phrase is correct when referring to the British people as a plural group.

"British are"

Use 'British are' when talking about the British people as a plural noun or group.

Examples:

The British are known for their politeness.
The British are a diverse group of individuals.

Show examples from the web [+]

The British are on their way with a full regiment of men.
The British are more honest than the Americans.
The British are a very open and very honest nation.
I must acknowledge the efforts made by the President-in-Office of the Council at the time, particularly since he is British, and the British are very tough negotiators.
The British are coming, sir.
He told the men that the British are close to breaking the backs of the American Patriots.
I must say, the British are clever.
The British are a cautious people.
Sir, the British are at Suvla.
But does' soon because the British are Mektili!
The British are running out of men.
The British are the lesser of the two evils.
On the subject of who will serve as President of the Court the British are prepared to support you, but...
"We have proved the British are led by incompetents and idiots."
The British are back... I mean here.
It's one of those cultural myths, like, "The British are reserved."
As you know, the British are justly famous for their punctuality and the Greeks are sadly notorious for their inconsistency, so I cannot help but take malicious pleasure from this temporary reversal of roles.
But you must remember that here in Britain, there are things we value more, things that perhaps in America you've forgotten about, but which to we British are far, far more important...
I hope that the common sense and sense of humour of which the British are so proud will help them in their speech and that they can tell us what is going to happen later.
Secondly, what is the Council going to do in relation to a number of EU citizens who are imprisoned in Guantanamo Bay, as it is clear that the British are too scared to stand up to the Americans and defend their own citizens?

Alternatives:

The British people are
The British nation is
The British population is
The British community is
The British society is

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British is vs British are

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