If you have ever said or written “information are,” you have made one of the most frequent grammar errors among workplace English learners. The direct answer is simple: “information” is an uncountable noun in English, so it always takes a singular verb. The correct form is “information is,” never “information are.” This mistake often happens because learners think of “information” as a collection of facts or data, which feels plural in their native language. In English, however, “information” is treated as a single, non-countable unit. This guide will explain why this rule exists, show you how to use it correctly in emails and conversations, and help you avoid this error for good.
Quick Answer: Information Is or Information Are?
Always use “information is.” The word “information” is an uncountable noun, similar to “water,” “advice,” or “knowledge.” You cannot count “information” as one information, two informations. Because it has no plural form, it requires a singular verb. Here is the rule in a nutshell:
- Correct: The information is ready.
- Incorrect: The information are ready.
- Correct: This information helps us.
- Incorrect: These information help us.
If you need to refer to multiple pieces of information, use phrases like “pieces of information,” “items of information,” or “bits of information.” For example: “Several pieces of information are missing.” Notice that the verb “are” now agrees with “pieces,” not “information.”
Why This Mistake Happens
The error “information are” is common because of a few reasons:
1. Native Language Interference
In many languages, the word for “information” is countable. For example, in Spanish, “información” can be used in plural contexts, and in French, “informations” is a plural noun. Learners naturally transfer this habit into English.
2. The Meaning Feels Plural
Information often refers to many facts, data points, or details. It is easy to think of it as a plural concept. However, English grammar does not follow logic here; it follows the rule of uncountable nouns.
3. Confusion with Similar Words
Some nouns like “data” can be used as both plural and singular in modern English (though traditional grammar prefers “data are”). This creates confusion. But “information” has no such flexibility. It is always singular.
Comparison Table: Information vs. Countable Nouns
| Feature | Information (Uncountable) | Fact / Detail (Countable) |
|---|---|---|
| Verb form | Singular (is, was, has) | Plural (are, were, have) |
| Plural form | None (no “informations”) | Facts, details |
| Example | The information is correct. | The facts are correct. |
| Quantifier | Much, a lot of, some | Many, several, a few |
| Article | No “a” or “an” | Can use “a” or “an” |
| Countable phrase | A piece of information | A fact |
This table shows the key difference. When you use “information,” you must treat it like “water” or “advice.” You cannot say “a water” or “two advices,” and you cannot say “an information” or “three informations.”
Natural Examples in Workplace Contexts
Here are real-world examples you might hear or use in an office, during a meeting, or in an email. Pay attention to the verb agreement.
In Emails
- Correct: The information you requested is attached.
- Correct: All the information is in the report.
- Incorrect: The information you requested are attached.
In Conversations
- Correct: This information is very helpful for the project.
- Correct: Is there any new information from the client?
- Incorrect: This information are very helpful.
In Presentations
- Correct: The information we collected shows a clear trend.
- Correct: Much of the information is still being reviewed.
- Incorrect: The information we collected show a clear trend.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Below are typical errors learners make with “information,” along with the correct versions.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| These information are useful. | This information is useful. | “These” is plural; use “this.” “Are” becomes “is.” |
| I need more informations. | I need more information. | “Informations” does not exist. |
| A lot of information are available. | A lot of information is available. | “A lot of” can be used with uncountable nouns, but the verb stays singular. |
| The information were sent yesterday. | The information was sent yesterday. | “Were” is plural past tense; use “was.” |
| There are many information on this topic. | There is a lot of information on this topic. | Use “there is” with uncountable nouns. |
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
Sometimes you need to express the idea of multiple pieces of information. Here are better alternatives and the contexts where they fit.
1. “Pieces of information”
Use this when you want to emphasize individual items. It is common in formal writing and technical contexts.
- Example: Several pieces of information are still missing from the report.
- When to use: In emails, documentation, or when being precise.
2. “Items of information”
Similar to “pieces,” but slightly more formal. Good for official documents or lists.
- Example: The database contains over 500 items of information.
- When to use: In technical or data-heavy contexts.
3. “Details”
This is a countable noun and works well in everyday conversation and emails.
- Example: I need more details about the meeting.
- When to use: In casual or semi-formal communication.
4. “Facts” or “Data points”
Use these when referring to specific, countable pieces of information.
- Example: The facts are clear from the analysis.
- When to use: In presentations, reports, or discussions.
5. “Updates”
If you mean new information, “updates” is a countable noun.
- Example: Please send me the latest updates.
- When to use: In project management or client communication.
Formal vs. Informal Tone
The rule “information is” applies in both formal and informal English. However, the way you phrase your sentences can change the tone.
Formal Tone
- The information provided in the document is accurate.
- All relevant information has been reviewed.
- We require additional information before proceeding.
Informal Tone
- This info is great, thanks!
- Is there any more information on that?
- I got the information you sent.
Note: Even in informal speech, “information are” sounds wrong to native speakers. The rule does not relax in casual settings.
Email and Conversation Context
In Emails
When writing professional emails, using “information is” correctly shows attention to detail. Here are two examples:
- Subject: Information about the new policy
Body: The information regarding the new policy is now available on the intranet. - Subject: Request for additional information
Body: Could you please confirm that the information is correct before we proceed?
In Conversations
During meetings or casual chats, the same rule applies. Native speakers will notice the error immediately.
- Correct: “The information from the client is very clear.”
- Incorrect: “The information from the client are very clear.”
Common Nuances to Remember
- “Information” is always singular. There is no exception. Even if you have ten pages of data, you still say “the information is.”
- Use “much” instead of “many.” Say “How much information do you need?” not “How many information.”
- Use “little” instead of “few.” Say “There is little information available,” not “There are few information.”
- Do not use “a” or “an.” You cannot say “an information.” Instead, say “a piece of information.”
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding with these four questions. Choose the correct option.
- The information in the report ___ accurate.
a) is
b) are
c) were
Answer: a) is - How ___ information do we have on this topic?
a) many
b) much
c) few
Answer: b) much - I need several ___ of information before the meeting.
a) piece
b) pieces
c) informations
Answer: b) pieces - ___ information you gave me was very helpful.
a) These
b) This
c) Those
Answer: b) This
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I ever use “informations”?
No. “Informations” is not a standard English word. In very rare, specialized contexts like computing or legal jargon, you might see it used, but it is considered incorrect in general English. Always use “information” for both singular and plural meanings.
2. What about “data”? Is it “data is” or “data are”?
This is a different case. Traditionally, “data” is the plural of “datum,” so “data are” was correct. However, in modern English, especially in business and technology, “data is” is widely accepted and common. Both forms are used, but “data is” is more frequent in everyday workplace English. Unlike “information,” “data” has some flexibility.
3. How do I make “information” plural without breaking the rule?
Use phrases like “pieces of information,” “items of information,” or “bits of information.” For example: “I have three pieces of information to share.” The word “pieces” becomes countable, and the verb agrees with “pieces” (are), not “information.”
4. Is it wrong to say “a lot of information are”?
Yes, it is wrong. “A lot of” can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns. When used with uncountable nouns like “information,” the verb must be singular. So “a lot of information is” is correct. “A lot of information are” is a grammar error.
Final Tip for Workplace English
To master this rule, practice replacing “information” with another uncountable noun like “advice” or “news.” You would never say “advice are” or “news are.” The same logic applies to “information.” If you catch yourself about to say “information are,” stop and change it to “information is.” With consistent practice, this correction will become automatic.
For more help with similar grammar issues, explore our Grammar Accuracy Checks section. If you need help with email phrasing, visit Email Phrase Corrections. For additional speaking corrections, check our Speaking Mistake Fixes category. You can also read our Editorial Policy to understand how we create these guides.
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