are always

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are always" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a consistent or habitual action or state. Example: "They are always willing to help others in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are always survivors.

The New York Times

"There are always ambiguities".

The New York Times

People are always afraid.

The Economist

They are always friendly.

The Economist

They are always hungry….

The New Yorker

Coupons are always popular.

The Economist

There are always skeptics.

The New York Times

"We are always cautious".

The New York Times

Leopards are always leaping.

The New York Times - Science

Nominations are always welcome.

The New York Times

Expectations are always high.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are always" to describe consistent behaviors, characteristics, or states. For emphasis, consider alternatives like "invariably are" or "consistently are".

Common error

While "are always" is generally acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. In formal contexts, consider using more sophisticated synonyms to add variety and precision to your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are always" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate frequency or consistency. As Ludwig confirms, it describes an action or state that occurs regularly or without exception. This is supported by examples where "are always" describes consistent traits or behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

22%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are always" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates consistency or regularity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and general writing. While alternatives like "consistently are" or "invariably are" may add nuance, "are always" remains a reliable choice for conveying certainty. Remember to ensure subject-verb agreement and avoid overuse in formal contexts to maintain clarity and style. Ludwig's analysis underscores the phrase's effectiveness and broad applicability in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consistently are

Reorders the words for a different emphasis while retaining the core meaning.

invariably are

Emphasizes the unchangeable nature of the action or state.

are perpetually

Highlights the ongoing and continuous aspect of the action.

are habitually

Focuses on the repeated and customary nature of the action.

are unfailingly

Stresses the reliable and dependable occurrence of the action.

are without exception

Highlights the fact that there are no exceptions to the statement.

are constantly

Highlights the continuous nature of the action.

are regularly

Focuses on the recurrent and scheduled nature of the action.

are usually

Indicates a high probability but allows for occasional exceptions.

tend to be

Suggests a common tendency rather than an absolute certainty.

FAQs

How can I use "are always" in a sentence?

The phrase "are always" indicates something happens consistently or is true without exception. For example, "The staff "are always" helpful" means the staff is helpful every time.

What are some alternatives to "are always"?

Alternatives include "tend to be", "consistently are", and "invariably are", which can add nuance to your writing.

Is it correct to say "is always" instead of "are always"?

No, "is always" is used with singular subjects, while "are always" is used with plural subjects. For example, "He is always late" (singular) vs. "They "are always" late" (plural).

What is the difference between "are always" and "are usually"?

"Are always" implies something happens without exception, while "are usually" suggests it happens most of the time but not necessarily every time. The choice depends on the degree of certainty you want to convey.