are on

USAGE SUMMARY

No, "are on" is not a complete sentence. It can be used in written English when it forms part of a larger sentence. For example, "We are on our way to the store."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Many activities are on offer.

Forbes

Counsellors are on hand.

The Economist

(Prices are on request).

The New York Times

Many are on display.

The Economist

They are on both.

The Economist

(Both are on YouTube).

The New York Times

(Both are on Emarcy).

The New York Times - Arts

"You are on notice!

The New York Times

are on point.

The New York Times

They are on course.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Inquiries are on-going".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always complete the phrase "are on" with a subject and complement to form a complete sentence, such as "The lights are on" or "The inquiries are on-going".

Common error

Avoid using "are on" as a standalone sentence. Ensure it's part of a larger structure to convey a complete thought and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just writing "are on", specify what is on and in what state, like "The meeting is on schedule."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are on" functions as part of a verb phrase, indicating a state of being, availability, or continuation. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is incomplete without a subject. It commonly connects a subject with its condition or status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are on" is a very common but incomplete phrase, frequently used in news and media contexts to indicate that something is in a particular state, happening, or continuing. As Ludwig AI highlights, it always requires a subject to form a grammatically correct sentence. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various types of writing, although it's crucial to avoid using it as a standalone sentence to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness. Consider alternatives like "is happening" or "is scheduled" depending on the specific context. The most authoritative sources for its use are reputable news outlets such as The New York Times, The Economist and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is happening

Replaces the phrase to indicate an event is currently taking place.

is taking place

Indicates that something is actually happening.

is scheduled

Focuses on the planned aspect, denoting that something is intended to occur.

is in progress

Highlights the ongoing nature of an activity or event.

is underway

Similar to "in progress", emphasizing the commencement and continuation of something.

are continuing

Highlights the ongoing nature of multiple activities.

is continuing

Highlights the ongoing nature of an activity.

is available

Indicates that something is accessible or ready for use.

are available

Indicates that something is accessible or ready for use in plural form.

is being offered

Focuses on the act of providing or presenting something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are on" needs a subject to be grammatically correct. For example, "The lights "are on"" or "The negotiations "are on" hold".

What does "are on" mean?

The meaning of "are on" depends on the context. It can mean that something is happening, in progress, or available. For example, "The game "is on"" means the game is in progress.

What can I say instead of "are on" in a schedule context?

Depending on the context you can use phrases like "is scheduled", "is taking place", or "is happening".

Is it grammatically correct to say just "are on"?

No, it is not grammatically correct to say just "are on". It needs a subject and complement to form a complete sentence. For example: "The floodlights "are on"".