cash are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cash are" is not correct in written English.
It is not usable because "cash" is an uncountable noun and should not be paired with the plural verb "are." Example: "The cash is ready for distribution."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"People with cash are buying," she said.

The New York Times

"Bags containing the cash are being examined by police.

The Guardian

Further fuelling the demand for cash are two big anniversaries.

The Economist

With whaling, politics and cash are more important than science.

The Economist

Those who paid cash are told they have no case.

The Guardian - Money

"But others that are generating cash are getting hammered.

The New York Times

Shoppers with spare cash are opting for premium labels.

The Guardian - Business

The UNHCR reports that its appeals for cash are underfunded.

The Guardian

Home purchases made entirely in cash are historically high.

The Guardian - Business

The good news is that new business models and cash are coming.

The Economist

And yet Mr McConnell's views on campaign cash are more complicated than most accounts allow.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to "cash", ensure verb agreement. Since "cash" is generally uncountable, use singular verbs (e.g., "cash is"). To use a plural verb, opt for a plural noun like "funds" or "monies" (e.g., "funds are").

Common error

Avoid using plural verbs with "cash". Although you might be referring to multiple units of money, "cash" itself is treated as a singular, uncountable noun. Instead of saying "cash are", say "cash is" or rephrase to use a plural noun like "funds".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cash are" functions primarily as part of a statement of fact or observation. However, it is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI notes that "cash" is an uncountable noun and should not be paired with the plural verb "are".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the expression "cash are" is frequently encountered across various sources, it is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig highlights that "cash" is an uncountable noun, requiring a singular verb. The correct phrasing should be "cash is" or using a plural noun such as "funds" as in "funds are". Although the intent is generally understandable, using grammatically correct alternatives enhances clarity and credibility, particularly in formal or professional contexts. Given the high frequency of the error, paying attention to subject-verb agreement is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cash is

Changes the verb conjugation to singular to agree with the uncountable noun "cash".

the money is

Adds "the" to specify the cash, using the singular verb.

funds are

Replaces "cash" with "funds", a plural noun, to correctly pair with the plural verb "are".

hard cash is

Adds "hard" to describe the cash, emphasizing physical money, using the singular verb.

petty cash is

Adds "petty" to describe the cash, meaning small cash for expenses, using the singular verb.

monies are

Replaces "cash" with "monies", a less common but grammatically correct plural form of "money".

currency is

Replaces "cash" with "currency", referring to the system of money, using the singular verb.

capital is

Replaces "cash" with "capital", referring to financial resources, using the singular verb.

reserves are

Replaces "cash" with "reserves", implying available financial assets, using the plural verb.

assets are

Replaces "cash" with "assets", meaning possessions of value, and uses the plural verb.

FAQs

How can I correct the phrase "cash are" in a sentence?

Replace "cash are" with "cash is" since "cash" is generally an uncountable noun. Alternatively, use a plural noun like "funds" and say "funds are".

What's the difference between saying "cash is" and "funds are"?

"Cash is" treats cash as a single entity or concept, while "funds are" refers to specific collections of money designated for a particular purpose or account. The best option depends on the intended context.

Is it ever correct to use a plural verb with "cash"?

While generally incorrect, you could use a plural verb if "cash" is part of a larger plural subject (e.g., "drugs and cash are" transported). However, rephrasing is usually preferable for clarity and correctness.

What are some alternatives to "cash" when I need a plural noun?

Use alternatives like "funds", "monies", or "reserves" to accurately use a plural verb. Consider the specific nuance each word brings to your sentence.