Definition of “Are”
“Are” is the plural form of the verb “to be” in the present tense, and it is used with plural subjects as well as the second-person singular and plural (“you”). As a linking verb, “are” connects the subject of a sentence with a predicate (a description, state, or action), helping to convey information about identity, state, or existence. In addition, “are” is used in questions, affirmations, and negations.
Uses of “Are”
1. To Indicate Existence or State
“Are” is used to describe the state of being or existence of the subject, functioning as a linking verb between the subject and the complement (which can be an adjective, noun, or phrase).
- Examples:
- “They are happy.” (Describing their emotional state)
- “The books are on the table.” (Indicating the location of the books)
- “We are students.” (Indicating identity)
2. With Plural Subjects
“Are” is used with plural nouns or pronouns as the verb form of “to be.”
- Examples:
- “The children are playing.”
- “The cars are parked outside.”
- “They are my friends.”
3. With the Pronoun “You”
“Are” is used with both the singular and plural forms of the pronoun “you.”
- Examples:
- “You are my best friend.” (Singular use)
- “You are all invited to the party.” (Plural use)
4. In Questions
“Are” is commonly used at the beginning of questions to ask about the state or condition of the subject.
- Examples:
- “Are they coming to the event?”
- “Are you feeling okay?”
- “Are we ready to leave?”
5. In Negative Sentences
“Are” is used with “not” to form negative statements about the subject’s state, condition, or identity.
- Examples:
- “They are not at home.”
- “We are not finished yet.”
- “You are not allowed to enter.”
6. In Affirmations
“Are” can be used to affirm a truth, fact, or state of being.
- Examples:
- “They are the winners of the competition.”
- “The rooms are clean.”
- “You are correct.”
Grammatical Role of “Are”
1. Verb “To Be” in Present Tense
“Are” is a form of the verb “to be” used in the present tense, functioning to link the subject to a description, state, or action. It serves a critical role in helping to express what something is, where something is, or what something does.
- Forms of “To Be”:
- I am (first person singular)
- You are (second person singular and plural)
- He/She/It is (third person singular)
- We are (first person plural)
- They are (third person plural)
2. Auxiliary Verb
In some cases, “are” acts as an auxiliary verb, forming part of continuous tenses or passive voice constructions.
- Examples:
- “They are running.” (Present continuous tense)
- “The results are being analyzed.” (Present continuous passive)
Common Mistakes with “Are”
1. Using “Are” Instead of “Is” with Singular Subjects
One common mistake is using “are” with singular subjects when “is” should be used.
- Incorrect: “She are a doctor.”
- Correct: “She is a doctor.”
2. Confusion Between “Are” and “Am”
Another mistake occurs when using “are” instead of “am” with the first-person singular subject “I.”
- Incorrect: “I are going to the store.”
- Correct: “I am going to the store.”
The Importance of “Are” in Communication
“Are” plays a fundamental role in English grammar by helping speakers and writers express the state of being, actions, and relationships of plural subjects and the pronoun “you.” It is essential for constructing clear and meaningful sentences, whether in conversations, descriptions, or questions.
The correct use of “are” ensures grammatical accuracy and makes it easier for listeners or readers to understand the subject’s condition, identity, or activity. Mastering the use of “are” is crucial for achieving fluency in both written and spoken English.
Conclusion
“Are” is an indispensable part of English grammar, serving as a key element of the verb “to be” in the present tense. It connects subjects to their descriptions, states, or actions and is used with plural nouns and the pronoun “you.” Understanding when and how to use “are” correctly helps maintain clarity, accuracy, and fluency in communication. Whether asking questions, forming negative sentences, or making statements, “are” plays a central role in expressing relationships and conditions in the English language.