What are they vs What is they

The correct phrase is 'What are they?' as 'they' is a plural pronoun and should be paired with the plural form of the verb 'are.' 'What is they?' is incorrect because 'is' is singular and does not match with the plural pronoun 'they.'

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 1152 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"What are they"

This phrase is used to inquire about the identity or nature of a group of people or things.

Examples:

What are they doing?
What are they talking about?
What are they wearing?
What are they planning?
What are they eating?

Show examples from the web [+]

Unusual COVID-19 symptoms: What are they? Sections. U.S. COVID-19 maps. Track the COVID-19 hot ...
What are they Doing with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology? Data Brief on Current Jobs. bachelorsinsociology.jpg. Bachelors in Sociology Cover. January 2008.
Cryptocurrencies: What are they good for? Date: Tuesday, July 27, 2021 Time: 10:00 AM Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building 538.

This phrase is incorrect in English.

"What is they "

Show examples from the web [+]

Mr President, I would like to ask those colleagues who oppose the Treaty to explain precisely what is they mean when they speak about a 'self-amending' treaty.
I'd like to re-educate some of the card-carrying atheists in to what it is they should be denying, as distinct from what it is they DO deny.
Pretty sure this is what they call serendipity.
Maybe attention is what they wanted.
What happens is they go away.
And what they see is that they need to improve chocolate production.
What they do is, they bribe local governments for tax and real-estate subsidies.
What they do is they send out worker rats that are called... Marsupials.
And what they do is they trade that money for our stuff.
These are archival tags. So what they do is they store the data.
What they do is they rotate around the core module so this gives us simulated gravity.
- Yes, what they do is they...
So, what they did is they hid codes on a clothesline by the shore to communicate.
Giving someone what they need is love.
I just intend that every one of my clients get a full and honest accounting of what it is they owe and what it is they own.
What they need is a redefined medical culture.
What happened is they have to go tell a mother and a father that both of their newborn babies are dying.
What happened is they're $20 each. It's like drinking in a mortgage payment.
And until indictments are handled down, we have no idea who or what it is they're investigating.
Now when the maps of all seven keys are put together, the location of what it is they buried will be known.

Alternatives:

What is that?
What is he doing?
What is she saying?
What is it?
What is the problem?

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

What are they vs What is they

"What are they"

"What is they "

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text