"half of the population is" vs "half of the population are"

Question

"half of the population is" vs "half of the population are"

Both "half of the population is" and "half of the population are" can be correct, depending on the context. When referring to a singular entity, such as a collective group, use "is." When referring to the individuals within the group, use "are."

Last Updated: March 21, 2024

Use "half of the population is" when referring to the population as a single entity or collective group.

Examples:

Half of the population is under the age of 30.
Half of the population is affected by the new policy.

Alternatives:

A large portion of the population is
A significant percentage of the population is
A majority of the population is
A minority of the population is
A fraction of the population is

Use "half of the population are" when referring to the individuals within the population.

Examples:

Half of the population are students.
Half of the population are immigrants.

Alternatives:

Half of the people are
Half of the residents are
Half of the citizens are
Half of the members are
Half of the students are

Answer 1

half of the population is

This phrase is correct when referring to a singular entity or collective group.

Answer 2

half of the population are

This phrase is correct when referring to the individuals within the population.

"half of the population is" vs "half of the population are"

half of the population is

half of the population are

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