are a tender

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are a tender" is not correct in standard written English without additional context.
It could be used in a context where "tender" is a noun, such as referring to a type of boat or a person who is gentle. Example: "The crew members are a tender group, always looking out for each other."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Arts

Food

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

On the other hand, Jim Peters's recent tiny wax figures of a nude couple are a tender meditation on lovemaking.

The New York Times - Arts

If you are a tender, sensitive person who acutely feels the ups and downs of your emotional state, you probably shy away from this business.

The New York Times

They are a tender treat: a little gritty, yes, but a quick bath in broth, before dipping in drawn butter, does the trick.

The New York Times - Food

And while Moim's grilled beef ribs — marinated in sake, mirin and a vegetable stock infused with pears and apples — are a tender wonder, the menu reaches in less conservative directions as well.

The New York Times

Thin, with large eyes, she cries, fools around with a guy, and searches for the meaning of her own reflection in a number of mirrors; the images are a tender evocation of a young woman who shows the camera as much of her real self as she can).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Rice dishes are a tenderer proposition.

The New York Times

It is a tender, flavorful boneless cut.

The New York Times - Food

It was a tender moment.

The Guardian - Music

It's a tender scene.

The Guardian - Books

Bart Millard is a tender singer with a big mouth.

The New York Times - Arts

There was a tender passion beneath the dispassion.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "are a tender" with grammatically correct alternatives like "are tender" or "are gentle" to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity. The phrase is often considered incorrect in standard English.

Common error

Avoid using "are a tender" when intending to describe someone as gentle or sensitive. Use "are tender" instead. For example, instead of saying 'They are a tender group,' say 'They are a tender group,' or 'They are gentle'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are a tender" functions incorrectly as it attempts to use the noun "tender" after the verb "are" when an adjective is expected. This construction deviates from standard English grammar rules, where adjectives typically follow linking verbs to describe the subject.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Food

20%

Arts

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are a tender" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard written English. It is an attempt to use a noun where an adjective is typically expected. As Ludwig AI points out, while understandable, this usage deviates from conventional grammar rules. It's better to use alternatives like "are tender", "are gentle", or "are sensitive" to accurately convey the intended meaning of gentleness or delicacy. This phrase is rarely found in authoritative sources, and when it does appear, it's often in informal contexts. While primarily observed in News & Media, Food, and Arts, it is absent from more formal or scientific domains. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid this phrase in formal writing and opt for grammatically sound alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are sensitive

Replaces "tender" with a more direct synonym conveying emotional responsiveness.

are gentle

Focuses on mildness and lack of harshness, similar to one sense of "tender".

are compassionate

Emphasizes empathy and caring, a related aspect of tenderness.

show tenderness

Focuses on demonstrating tenderness through actions.

exhibit tenderness

Shifts from describing a state to describing an action or quality.

are filled with tenderness

Adds emphasis to the feeling of tenderness.

are loving

Emphasizes affection and warmth, a key aspect of tenderness.

possess tenderness

Highlights that tenderness is an inherent trait or characteristic.

are kindly

Simple expression to describe a person with "tender" feelings.

are softly spoken

Describes a way of expressing gentleness through speech.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "are a tender"?

In most contexts, no. It is generally considered incorrect. You would typically say "are tender" instead, to correctly use "tender" as an adjective. The phrase might be acceptable if "tender" is used as a noun, but that is rare.

What's the difference between "are a tender" and "are tender"?

"Are tender" correctly uses "tender" as an adjective to describe a quality or characteristic. "Are a tender" is typically grammatically incorrect, unless "tender" is meant as a noun, such as in the rare case 'they are a ship's "tender"'.

What can I say instead of "are a tender" to describe someone gentle?

You can use alternatives like "are gentle", "are sensitive", or "are compassionate" depending on the nuance you want to convey. For example: 'They "are gentle" souls.'

When might "are a tender" be grammatically correct?

The phrase might be grammatically correct if referring to a specific type of boat called a "tender", though this usage is uncommon. For example: 'Those ships "are a tender"'. This is not its typical use.