are ladies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are ladies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are identifying or referring to a group of women or girls. Example: "At the event, there were many guests, but the ones who stood out the most are ladies of great distinction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

These are ladies.

The New York Times - Sports

"Here we are, ladies," J. Jill says.

The New Yorker

Quite a few are ladies.

The Guardian - Music

There are ladies in that bunch of bigots?

The Guardian

"Our patrons are ladies and gentlemen," he says.

The New York Times - Sports

Quite a number of her students are ladies who simply don't want to starve to death.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Tonight's advice is: Ladies be beautiful,.

The New Yorker

"They're ladies, right?" she joked.

The New Yorker

"What do you think feminism is, ladies?

The New York Times - Books

"They're ladies who lunch".

The Guardian - Tech

Remember "Tuesday is Ladies' Night"?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are ladies", ensure the context aligns with the formality of the term. While generally acceptable, consider if "are women" would be more appropriate in certain professional or academic settings.

Common error

Avoid using "are ladies" in contexts where either extreme formality or informality is inappropriate. In academic writing or formal reports, prefer "are women". In very casual conversation with close friends, consider more colloquial terms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are ladies" functions primarily as a declarative statement identifying a group as female. Ludwig AI shows this usage across various contexts, affirming its role in defining and categorizing individuals. This aligns with examples from Ludwig where the phrase appears in sentences such as "These are ladies" or "There are ladies in that bunch of bigots?"

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are ladies" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for identifying a group of women. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is acceptable and serves to classify or refer to women, often with a touch of politeness. While its usage is prevalent across various contexts, especially in news and media, it's important to consider the formality of the setting. In more formal academic or professional environments, alternatives like "are women" might be more appropriate. Remember to avoid overly formal or informal tones to maintain the right level of appropriateness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consist of women

Emphasizes the composition of the group being entirely women.

constitute women

Uses a more formal verb "constitute" to indicate that a group is composed of women.

comprise women

Similar to "constitute", but with a slightly different connotation of composition.

are female individuals

Replaces "ladies" with a more formal and descriptive term.

include women

Focuses on the presence of women within a larger group.

represent women

Implies that the group embodies or exemplifies womanhood.

are women present

Highlights the existence of women in a specific location or situation.

are the women

Specifies "the women", implying a particular group.

are women included

Focuses on whether women are part of something.

are they women

Simplifies the phrasing to a question format.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "are ladies" instead of "are women"?

Use "are ladies" in contexts where a degree of politeness or traditional formality is desired. In more neutral or professional settings, "are women" is often preferred.

What are some alternative ways to say "are ladies"?

You can use alternatives like "constitute women", "comprise women", or "include women" depending on the context.

Is "are ladies" considered outdated or sexist?

While not inherently sexist, "are ladies" can sound dated in some contexts. Using "are women" is often perceived as more modern and inclusive.

How do I ensure I'm using "are ladies" appropriately?

Consider your audience and the overall tone of your communication. If in doubt, "are women" is generally a safer and more versatile choice.