are not rich

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not rich" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's financial status or wealth in a negative context. Example: "Despite their hard work, they are not rich and struggle to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are not rich".

The Guardian

Many of them are not rich.

The New York Times

Further, they are not rich.

The New York Times - Arts

"They are not rich people.

The New York Times - Sports

First, middle-income countries are not "rich".

The Guardian

But the peasants here are not rich.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you are not rich you will pay less.

The Guardian

Besides, she said, Charas's supporters are not rich.

The New York Times

But her father's dead and her people are not rich.

The New York Times

Those to its south are not rich yet.

The Economist

"Most actors are not rich – they are very poor indeed.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's financial situation, consider using "are not rich" to clearly indicate a lack of wealth. However, be mindful of the context and potential for causing offense; more sensitive phrasing like "are of modest means" may be preferable in some situations.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "are not rich" can sound simplistic or informal. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "do not possess significant wealth" or "have limited financial resources" in formal writing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not rich" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, describing a subject as lacking substantial wealth. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show it modifying people, countries, and even abstract concepts like data annotations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not rich" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a lack of wealth. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts. While generally neutral, it's important to consider the audience and context, opting for more sensitive or formal alternatives like "are of modest means" or "do not have substantial wealth" when appropriate. As highlighted by Ludwig, its function is to directly convey financial status, and it appears frequently in news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are of modest means

Indicates having limited financial resources; a gentler way of saying someone is not wealthy.

do not have substantial wealth

More formal way of expressing the lack of significant financial assets.

are not well-off

Suggests a lack of financial comfort and security.

live paycheck to paycheck

Highlights the financial instability and dependence on immediate income.

struggle financially

Emphasizes the difficulties faced due to a lack of money.

have limited resources

Focuses on the scarcity of available funds or assets.

are economically disadvantaged

Highlights the systemic barriers to financial success.

are impecunious

A more formal and less common term for lacking money.

are in dire financial straits

Emphasizes a severe and urgent lack of money.

do not have deep pockets

An informal way of saying that someone lacks substantial financial resources.

FAQs

How can I use "are not rich" in a sentence?

You can use "are not rich" to describe someone's financial status directly, for example, "Although they work hard, they "are not rich"." or "The majority of people in this town "are not rich" and struggle with the rising cost of living."

What's a more sensitive way to say "are not rich"?

Instead of saying "are not rich", you could use phrases like "are of modest means", "do not have substantial wealth", or "are not well-off" to be more polite.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "are not rich"?

While grammatically correct, "are not rich" might be too blunt in some situations. Consider your audience and the context. In formal or sensitive situations, using softer language may be more appropriate.

Which is more accurate, "are not rich" or "are poor"?

"Are not rich" indicates a lack of wealth but doesn't necessarily mean someone is impoverished. "Are poor" suggests a more severe level of financial hardship and should only be used when it accurately reflects the situation.