If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give grammar much thought. You might not even know what ‘are’ is in grammar! But, as with any other language, mastering the use of grammar is essential for clear and effective communication. This blog post will explore the definition of ‘are’, its uses in sentences, and how to properly conjugate it. So whether you’re a native English speaker or just learning the language, read on for a crash course in this important verb!
Definition of ARE
The word “are” is a helping verb, which means it helps to form the main verb of a sentence. For example, in the sentence “you are singing,” the word “are” is helping to form the verb “singing.” “Are” is also used as an auxiliary verb, which means it can be used together with another verb to form a negative or question. For example, the sentence “you are not singing” is formed using the auxiliary verb “are” and the negative particle “not.” The sentence “are you singing?” is formed using the auxiliary verb “are” and the question particle “you.” Auxiliary verbs are also known as modal verbs. Other examples of auxiliary verbs include “can,” “could,” “may,” and “might.”
Uses of ARE
ARE is a form of the verb “to be.” It is used as a helper verb to create the present progressive and past progressive tenses. Additionally, ARE is used with the infinitive form of verbs to create the perfect tense. As a result, ARE is an essential part of many English sentences. The different uses of ARE can be confusing for non-native speakers, but with a little practice, it will become second nature.
How Do You Know When To Use ‘ARE’?
There are three main instances where you would use the word “are.” The first is when you are referring to the plural form of a noun, as in “they are students.” The second is when you are using the verb “to be” in the present tense, as in “you are correct.” The third is when you are using the verb “to be” in the future tense, as in “we will be there soon.” If you are unsure whether to use “are” or another word, such as “is,” it is generally safe to consult a dictionary or grammar guide. In most cases, however, following these simple guidelines should help you use “are” correctly.
How Can You Remember When To Use ‘ARE’?
The use of the verb “to be” (in its various forms) is a notoriously difficult aspect of English grammar for non-native speakers. This is because there are many different rules governing when to use each form of the verb. However, there are some general guidelines that can help. The form “are” is used when the subject of the sentence is plural, or when it is a collective noun (such as a group or team).
It is also used when referring to quantities that are measured in pairs, such as time, distance, weight, and so on. So, next time you’re struggling to remember whether to use “am,” “is,” or “are,” just think about whether the subject is singular or plural, and whether you’re talking about a pair of things. If you can keep these simple rules in mind, you’ll be using the correct form of “to be” in no time.
Are There Any Exceptions To The Rule Governing When To Use ‘ARE’?
Yes, there are always exceptions to the rule! In some cases, the word “are” is used even when the subject is singular. This usually happens when the subject is a pronoun, such as “I,” “you,” or “we.” For example, the sentence “I am here” uses the singular form of the pronoun “I,” but the plural form of the verb “to be.” This is because the pronoun “I” is acting as a subject in this sentence, even though it is only one person. Similarly, the sentence “you are correct” uses the singular form of the pronoun “you,” even though the verb “to be” is in the plural form.
Is ARE A Preposition?
A preposition is a word that expresses relationships between other words in a sentence. For example, the word “in” might express the relationship between a book and a shelf: “The book is on the shelf.” In this example, the word “on” is a preposition that expresses the relationship between the book and the shelf. The word “is” is not a preposition because it does not express a relationship between two things.
The word “are” can be used as a preposition, but it is not always used as one. For example, the sentence “There are two books on the shelf” uses the word “are” as a verb, not as a preposition. In this sentence, the word “are” expresses the relationship between the number “two” and the noun “books.” When deciding whether or not to use the word “are” as a preposition, it is important to consider what relationships you are trying to express in your sentence.
Is ARE A Linking Verb?
A linking verb is a verb that links the subject of a sentence to a word or phrase that gives information about the subject. The most common linking verb is “to be.” Other linking verbs include: appear, become, feel, look, remain, seem, smell, sound, taste, and turn. For example, in the sentence “The soup smells delicious,” the word “smells” is a linking verb that links the subject (“soup”) to the word “delicious,” which provides information about the soup. In contrast, an action verb tells us what the subject of a sentence is doing.
For example, in the sentence “I am writing a paper,” the verb “am writing” is an action verb that tells us what the subject (“I”) is doing. While both types of verbs are important in English grammar, linking verbs are not as common as action verbs. As a result, many people are not familiar with them and often mistake them for action verbs.
If you are unsure whether a verb is a linking verb or an action verb, try substituting a form of the verb “to be” for the verb in question. If the sentence still makes sense, then the verb is likely a linking verb. For example, if we replace the verb “smells” with the verb “is” in the sentence “The soup smells delicious,” the sentence still makes sense: “The soup is delicious.” This tells us that the verb “smells” is a linking verb.
Example Sentences Using ARE
1- There are two books on the shelf.
2- They are writing a paper.
3- Are you mad?
4- You are correct.
5- We are going to the park.
6- The books are on the shelf.
7- There are three pencils on the desk.
8- Are you going to visit John.
9- You are welcome.
10- We are friends.
