are clones

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are clones" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing entities that are identical copies of one another, often in discussions about genetics, technology, or fictional narratives. Example: "The scientists confirmed that the organisms in the lab are clones created from a single DNA sample."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They are clones.

The Guardian - Books

They are clones, reared only to "donate".

The Guardian - Books

They are clones of each other.

The Guardian

In short, 306 and 307 are clones.

The Guardian

The five calves are clones, which is eerie enough.

The New York Times

That is they are clones (genomic copies) of Dolly.

Nature

The offspring are clones of their mother — genetically identical to her.

The New Yorker

That doesn't mean that Japan's beers are clones of those from other countries.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

This specifies what blocks are cloned.

WikiHow

Problem number two: They're clones.

Huffington Post

2. How is cloning accomplished?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are clones" when you want to emphasize the identical nature and origin of multiple entities, whether in a biological, technological, or figurative sense.

Common error

Avoid using "are clones" too casually as a synonym for "are similar". The phrase carries a stronger connotation of exact duplication, especially in technical and scientific contexts. Opt for alternatives like "are similar" or "resemble" when precise identity isn't the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are clones" functions as a predicate nominative, identifying the subject as belonging to the category of clones. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used to describe entities sharing identical genetic makeup or as exact replicas in a broader context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are clones" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to identify multiple entities as being identical copies of one another, either in a literal, biological sense or a figurative one. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a predicate nominative, asserting a relationship of identity or similarity. Common contexts include news, scientific discourse, and encyclopedic explanations, with a register that varies from formal to neutral. While versatile, it's important to avoid overusing the phrase as a casual synonym for "are similar", particularly when precise duplication is not intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are identical copies

Emphasizes the exact duplication of something.

are exact replicas

Highlights the precision and accuracy of the duplication.

are genetically identical

Specifically refers to genetic similarity, often in biological contexts.

are carbon copies

An informal way to describe something as an exact duplicate.

are indistinguishable

Focuses on the inability to tell the difference between entities.

are virtually the same

Suggests a very high degree of similarity, though not necessarily perfect.

are twins

Implies a pair that share common origin and a high degree of similarity.

are alike

A simple expression of similarity.

are of the same ilk

Refers to things being of the same type or nature, often with a negative connotation.

are homogeneous

Highlights the lack of variation within a group.

FAQs

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

You can use "are clones" to describe entities that are genetically identical, like in biology. You can also use it metaphorically to describe things that are very similar or copies of each other.

What can I say instead of "are clones"?

You can use alternatives like "are identical copies", "are exact replicas", or "are genetically identical" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are clones" or "is clone"?

"Are clones" is correct when referring to multiple entities. "Is a clone" is correct when referring to a single entity.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "are clones"?

The phrase "are clones" is appropriate in scientific discussions about genetics and reproduction, in technological contexts when discussing duplication, and in fiction when describing characters or objects that "are identical copies" of each other.