English grammar can sometimes be confusing, especially when it comes to subject-verb agreement with phrases that involve quantities or ambiguous number indicators. One phrase that often causes uncertainty is one or more. When used in a sentence, should it be followed by is or are? This is a common dilemma for both native and non-native English speakers. The confusion arises because one suggests singular, while more implies plural. Understanding how to choose between is and are in this context requires a closer look at grammatical rules, sentence structure, and intended meaning.
Understanding the Phrase One or More
The phrase one or more is used to indicate a quantity that could be singular or plural, depending on the situation. It is commonly seen in both written and spoken English, particularly in legal documents, technical instructions, tests, and formal writing. The ambiguity lies in whether the focus is on the singular one or the plural more.
What Does One or More Really Mean?
Grammatically, one or more is a compound subject. It refers to the possibility of at least one item being involved, but also allows for multiple items. Because of this dual nature, the verb must match the actual subject of the sentence or the emphasis intended by the writer.
When to Use Is
Use is when the noun following one or more is being treated as a singular entity or when the context clearly focuses on the singular part of the phrase. This typically happens when the writer or speaker is emphasizing that even a single instance or item satisfies the condition.
- One or moreof the keys ismissing.
- One or moreof the candidates isexpected to win.
- One or moreof the items isdefective.
In the examples above, the structure suggests that even a single occurrence is enough for the statement to be true. Therefore, the verb agrees with the singular subject one.
When to Use Are
Use are when the context strongly emphasizes the possibility of multiple items being involved, or when the noun in question is clearly plural and you want to reflect that plurality in the verb agreement.
- One or moredogs arebarking outside.
- One or morestudents areresponsible for the damage.
- One or moreapplications arestill pending.
In these examples, the focus is on the plural part of the phrase. The speaker or writer is acknowledging that while there may be only one, it is likely there are multiple. Therefore, are is used.
Grammatical Rule vs. Stylistic Preference
Both is and are can be grammatically correct depending on what you’re emphasizing in your sentence. If you’re focusing on the possibility that even one item qualifies, use is. If you’re focusing on the likelihood or presence of multiple items, use are. This makes the usage more about the writer’s intention than about rigid grammar rules.
Consistency in Formal Writing
In formal or academic writing, consistency is key. Choose the form that best fits your context and stick with it throughout your document. If you’re writing a legal contract or scientific report, you might favor the more technically correct singular form to avoid misinterpretation.
Examples in Different Contexts
Legal or Technical Language
- One or more of these chemicalsisprohibited in food production.
- One or more infractionsisenough to disqualify a participant.
These examples show a preference for clarity and precision. The singular form emphasizes that even a single infraction or chemical renders the condition true.
Everyday Conversation or Informal Writing
- One or more of my friendsaregoing to the concert.
- One or more peoplearecalling you.
In casual speech or less formal writing, using are can sound more natural, especially when the speaker clearly anticipates plural subjects.
Tips to Decide Between Is and Are
- Look at the nounIs it countable? Is it usually thought of as a singular or plural item?
- Consider the contextAre you focusing on just one, or on the idea that multiple things are likely involved?
- Replace the phraseTry rephrasing with either one [noun] is or [multiple nouns] are and see which feels more accurate.
Alternative Phrasing to Avoid Confusion
Sometimes, if you’re unsure or if the sentence feels awkward, it’s best to rephrase the sentence entirely. For example
- Instead of One or more books are missing.
- Say At least one book is missing.
This removes ambiguity and makes the sentence clearer.
Summary Table Choosing Is vs. Are
| Context | Preferred Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Emphasis on singular subject | Is | One or more of the toolsisbroken. |
| Expectation of plural subject | Are | One or more peoplearewaiting outside. |
| Legal or scientific writing | Is (typically) | One or more violationsisconsidered serious. |
| Informal communication | Are | One or more friendsarecoming with me. |
The phrase one or more presents a unique challenge in subject-verb agreement. The choice between is and are depends largely on what you want to emphasize whether it’s the singular possibility or the likelihood of plurality. Both can be grammatically correct, so the key is clarity and consistency. By understanding how this phrase works in different contexts, you can confidently use it in your writing and speech without hesitation. Whether in academic, legal, technical, or conversational English, choosing the right verb helps ensure your message is accurate and effective.