verb
Used with you, we, they, or plural nouns to say who or what someone or something is, what they are like, or where they are.
We are ready.
Common phrases & grammar
are ready · are from
American English
How to pronounce are
verb · auxiliaryA1Very common word
AHR
/ɑɹ/
One syllable.
Used with you, we, they, or plural nouns to say who or what someone or something is, what they are like, or where they are.
What to listen for
“Are” is pronounced “are” (/ɑɹ/) when said alone, but in natural connected speech it is usually reduced to “’r” (/ɚ/). At the end of a phrase or when you emphasize it, use the full form.
Full form/ɑɹ/
Reduced form/ɚ/
Meanings & examples
auxiliary
Used before a verb ending in -ing to say that an action is happening now or around now.
They are working.
Common phrases & grammar
are working · are looking
auxiliary
Used before a past participle to say that someone or something receives an action.
The rooms are cleaned every day.
Common phrases & grammar
are made · are used
verb
Used with there to say that two or more people or things exist or are in a place.
There are two chairs in the room.
Common phrases & grammar
there are · there are no
Related words & forms
bebase formbeing-ing formwas / werepast formsbeenpast participleampresent with Iarepresent with you, we, they, and plural nounsispresent with he, she, it
Use are with you, we, they, and plural nouns. Use it with you even when you mean one person.