Sentence With The Word Are

The Versatile "Are": Exploring the Nuances of Sentences Containing the Verb "To Be"

The seemingly simple verb "are" – the plural present tense form of "to be" – plays a crucial role in English grammar, forming the backbone of countless sentences. Understanding its multifaceted usage is key to mastering sentence construction and effective communication. This comprehensive guide delves into the various ways "are" functions, providing examples and explanations to clarify its nuanced applications. We'll explore its use in simple declarative sentences, interrogative questions, negative constructions, and more complex sentence structures, demonstrating its versatility and importance in conveying meaning.

Understanding the Verb "To Be"

Before we dive into sentences using "are," let's establish a foundational understanding of the verb "to be." This verb is unique in English grammar, functioning as both a main verb (expressing a state of being) and an auxiliary verb (helping other verbs). Its forms include am, is, are, was, were, being, been. "Are," specifically, indicates the plural present tense form, referring to more than one subject.

Simple Declarative Sentences with "Are"

The most straightforward use of "are" is in simple declarative sentences, which state a fact or opinion. Here, "are" acts as the main verb, linking the subject to a predicate that describes its state or characteristic.

Example 1: The cats are sleeping soundly. (Subject: cats; Predicate: sleeping soundly)
Example 2: My friends are arriving later today. (Subject: friends; Predicate: arriving later today)
Example 3: The flowers are blooming beautifully in the spring. (Subject: flowers; Predicate: blooming beautifully in the spring)
Example 4: The children are playing in the park. (Subject: children; Predicate: playing in the park)
Example 5: These apples are ripe and juicy. (Subject: apples; Predicate: ripe and juicy)

These examples showcase the basic structure: Subject + "are" + Predicate. The predicate can be a single adjective, a phrase, or a clause, offering flexibility in expressing diverse information.

Interrogative Sentences with "Are"

"Are" is equally important in forming questions. In interrogative sentences, it's typically placed at the beginning, inverting the standard subject-verb order.

Example 1: Are the dogs barking? (Subject: dogs; Predicate: barking)
Example 2: Are you feeling better today? (Subject: you; Predicate: feeling better today)
Example 3: Are those your books on the table? (Subject: those; Predicate: your books on the table)
Example 4: Are we going to the beach this weekend? (Subject: we; Predicate: going to the beach this weekend)
Example 5: Are there any cookies left? (Subject: there; Predicate: any cookies left – this uses an expletive subject)

These examples demonstrate the essential inversion of subject and verb in question formation. Note the use of "there" as an expletive subject in the last example, a common construction for questions about existence.

Negative Sentences with "Are"

To form negative sentences, we use "are not" (often contracted to "aren't"). The placement of "not" or "aren't" follows the same pattern as in affirmative sentences: after "are" in declarative sentences and before the subject in interrogative sentences.

Example 1: The birds are not singing this morning. (Declarative, negative)
Example 2: We aren't going to the party. (Declarative, negative, contracted form)
Example 3: Aren't they coming with us? (Interrogative, negative, contracted form)
Example 4: The students are not prepared for the exam. (Declarative, negative)
Example 5: Are not those flowers beautiful? (Interrogative, negative – less common, more formal contraction)

The use of "not" or "aren't" effectively negates the statement or question, providing a means of expressing the opposite of the affirmative form.

"Are" as a Linking Verb

"Are" frequently functions as a linking verb, connecting the subject to a predicate adjective or predicate nominative (a noun or pronoun that renames the subject). This clarifies the subject's state or identity.

Example 1: The results are promising. ("promising" is a predicate adjective)
Example 2: My siblings are doctors. ("doctors" is a predicate nominative)
Example 3: The clouds are dark and heavy. ("dark and heavy" are predicate adjectives)
Example 4: Those paintings are masterpieces. ("masterpieces" is a predicate nominative)
Example 5: The children are excited about the trip. ("excited" is a predicate adjective)

In these examples, "are" doesn't describe an action but connects the subject to a descriptive word or phrase, providing further information about its characteristics or identity.

"Are" in More Complex Sentence Structures

"Are" can be incorporated into more complex sentence structures, including those containing clauses and phrases. Its role remains consistent: connecting the subject to the predicate, even within a more elaborate framework.

Example 1: The books that are on the shelf are mine. (Contains a relative clause modifying "books")
Example 2: Although they are tired, they are continuing to work. (Contains a subordinate clause)
Example 3: The students who are studying diligently are likely to succeed. (Contains a relative clause modifying "students")
Example 4: Because the roads are icy, we are driving slowly. (Contains a subordinate clause)
Example 5: The apples, which are red and ripe, are ready to be picked. (Contains a nonrestrictive relative clause)

These examples showcase how "are" maintains its grammatical function even within more complex sentences. The understanding of subordinate clauses and relative clauses is key to deciphering such sentences.

"Are" with Collective Nouns

The use of "are" with collective nouns (nouns referring to a group) can be tricky. While the noun itself is singular, the verb choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the group as a unit or its individual members.

Example 1: The team is practicing well. (Emphasis on the team as a single unit)
Example 2: The team are arguing amongst themselves. (Emphasis on the individual members of the team)
Example 3: The family is going on vacation. (Emphasis on the family as a unit)
Example 4: The family are all preparing for the trip. (Emphasis on the individual members of the family)
Example 5: The jury is deliberating. (Emphasis on the jury as a unit)

This nuanced usage highlights the importance of considering the context to determine the appropriate verb agreement.

"Are" in Imperative Sentences

Although less common, "are" can be used in imperative sentences (commands or requests), usually in conjunction with other verbs or as part of a more complex structure.

Example 1: Be sure you are careful.
Example 2: Please be certain that you are understood.
Example 3: Make sure the details are accurate.
Example 4: Ensure that all the answers are correct.
Example 5: See that they are well looked after.

In these examples, "are" isn't the main verb driving the command, but it plays a supporting role in ensuring the completeness and clarity of the instruction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What's the difference between "are" and "is"?

A: "Is" is the singular present tense form of "to be," used for singular subjects (e.g., "He is," "She is," "It is"). "Are" is the plural form, used for plural subjects (e.g., "They are," "We are," "The dogs are").

Q: Can "are" be used with uncountable nouns?

A: No, "are" is only used with countable plural nouns. For uncountable nouns, you would use "is." For example: "The water is cold," not "The water are cold."

Q: What are some common mistakes people make with "are"?

A: Common mistakes include subject-verb agreement errors (using "is" with plural subjects or "are" with singular subjects) and incorrect usage with collective nouns.

Q: How can I improve my usage of "are" in my writing?

A: Pay close attention to subject-verb agreement. Ensure that the subject of your sentence correctly matches the verb "are" in terms of number (singular or plural). Review the rules regarding collective nouns to avoid common errors.

Conclusion

The seemingly simple verb "are" proves to be remarkably versatile in English grammar. Its ability to function as a main verb, a linking verb, and part of complex sentence structures makes it indispensable for effective communication. By understanding its various applications—in declarative, interrogative, negative, and imperative sentences—and its nuanced use with collective nouns, writers and speakers can significantly enhance the clarity and precision of their language. Mastering the intricacies of "are" is a crucial step towards achieving grammatical fluency and expressing oneself with confidence.