are required

USAGE SUMMARY

"are required" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about a necessity. For example, "Health screenings are required for all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Reservations are required.

The New York Times - Arts

Jackets are required.

The New Yorker

(No glasses are required).

The New York Times

(Helmets are required).

The New York Times - Travel

Free; reservations are required.

The New York Times

Uniforms are required.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Stronger medicine is required.

The Guardian - Business

Parental permission is required.

The New York Times

No software is required.

The New Yorker

Honesty is required here.

The New York Times

Brute force was required.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are required", ensure the subject clearly identifies what is being required and by whom or what authority. For example, "Passports are required for international travel."

Common error

Avoid using "are required" without specifying the context or reason for the requirement. This can lead to confusion or ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Forms are required", specify "Completed forms are required for processing your application".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are required" functions as a passive construction indicating necessity or obligation. It is used to express that certain actions, items, or conditions are mandatory. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form. For example, "Reservations are required" shows that reservations are not optional.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

16%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are required" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote necessity or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to inform, set expectations, and ensure compliance, often found in neutral to formal contexts like news, media, and academic writing. The phrase indicates that certain actions, items, or conditions are mandatory. Remember to clearly state what is being required and by whom to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "are necessary" or "are needed" can be used depending on the context, but it is important to check for the degree of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are necessary

Replaces "required" with its direct synonym "necessary", keeping the grammatical structure identical.

are needed

Substitutes "required" with "needed", suggesting a less formal but equally valid alternative.

are essential

Replaces "required" with "essential", emphasizing the critical importance of something.

are mandatory

Swaps "required" for "mandatory", indicating a formal or legal obligation.

are compulsory

Replaces "required" with "compulsory", indicating that something is required by law or a rule.

are obligatory

Uses "obligatory" instead of "required", highlighting a formal duty or requirement.

must be done

Transforms the structure to a passive imperative, focusing on the action rather than the requirement.

are a must

Employs a more colloquial expression, indicating something highly recommended or virtually necessary.

it is a requirement to

Changes the structure to emphasize that something follows from an official rule or guideline.

demand

Uses 'demand' implying something is enforced to happen.

FAQs

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

Use "are required" to indicate that something is necessary or mandatory. For example, "Reservations are required for the restaurant" or "Specific tools are required for this task".

What can I say instead of "are required"?

You can use alternatives like "are necessary", "are needed", or "are essential" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are required" or "is required"?

"Are required" is used with plural subjects, while "is required" is used with singular subjects. For example, "Passports are required" vs. "A permit is required".

What is the difference between "are required" and "are recommended"?

"Are required" indicates something is mandatory, while "are recommended" suggests something is advisable but not compulsory. For instance, "Helmets are required" implies a rule, whereas "Comfortable shoes are recommended" is a suggestion.