are so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are so" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the phrase "are so" to emphasize the extent of something. For example, "The colors of the sunset last night were so beautiful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lectures are so braodening.

The New Yorker

They are so comfy.

Independent

"You are so lame.

The New Yorker

"Guys are so competitive.

The New York Times

"Buyers are so opinionated.

The New Yorker

We are so happy".

The Guardian - Sport

They are so sweet!

The New York Times

You are so brave.

The New Yorker

They are so impressive.

The New Yorker

Mice are so weird.

The New Yorker

They are so unmodern.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are so" to add emphasis to a description or statement, but be mindful of overusing it, as it can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Consider alternatives like "are extremely" or "are remarkably" for more formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "are so" excessively in formal documents or academic papers. It can come across as too casual. Opt for more precise and sophisticated language to convey your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are so" functions as an intensifier, emphasizing the adjective that follows. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use to heighten the degree of a quality, such as "They are so impressive" or "Prices are so high".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are so" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to emphasize a quality or state. According to Ludwig AI, its use is correct and effective for adding emphasis. While frequently found in news and media, it's less common in formal writing. Remember to use it judiciously and consider more sophisticated alternatives like ""are extremely"" or ""are incredibly"" in formal contexts to maintain a polished tone. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its versatility in expressing various degrees of qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are really

Adds emphasis to the adjective that follows, indicating a high degree of the quality.

are indeed

Emphasizes the truth or validity of a statement, often in a more formal context.

are incredibly

Emphasizes the quality to a degree that is hard to believe.

are extremely

Indicates a very high degree of the quality being described, more formal than "are so".

are exceptionally

Implies the quality is present to a degree that is above the average or expected.

are remarkably

Highlights that the quality is noteworthy or surprising.

are surprisingly

Highlights that the quality is unexpected or causes astonishment.

are particularly

Indicates that the quality is present to a greater degree than usual or in a specific way.

are awfully

Conveys a strong degree of the quality, often used in informal contexts.

are unusually

Suggests the quality is present to a degree that deviates from the norm.

FAQs

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

You can use "are so" to emphasize the degree of a quality or characteristic. For example, "The flowers "are so beautiful"" or "The instructions "are so clear"".

What alternatives can I use instead of "are so"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "are really", "are extremely", or "are incredibly" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "are so"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "are so" to emphasize a quality or characteristic. It follows standard English grammar rules as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

When should I avoid using "are so"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "are so" can make your writing sound informal or simplistic. Consider using more sophisticated vocabulary, particularly in formal or academic contexts. Alternatives like "are remarkably" or "are exceptionally" might be more suitable.