are they

USAGE SUMMARY

"Are they" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used to ask a question, for example: Are they going to the party tonight?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How stable are they?

The New York Times

How are they?

The New York Times - Books

How good are they?

The New York Times

Why are they asking?

Independent

But, boy, are they.

The New Yorker

What are they from?

The New York Times

Why are they wrong?

The New York Times

What are they thinking?

The New York Times

How are they not?

The New York Times

How collaborative are they?

The New York Times

But are they selling?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are they" in a question, ensure the subject is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are they" when the subject is singular. Ensure the verb agrees with the subject in number and person. For example, instead of "Are he going?" use "Is he going?"

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "are they" is to form an interrogative sentence, seeking information or confirmation about a plural subject. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples, highlighting its role in direct questions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are they" functions primarily to form questions concerning the status, condition, or actions of a plural subject. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While applicable in both formal and informal settings, ensure subject-verb agreement to avoid errors. Explore related phrases for nuanced expressions, but remember to maintain clarity and relevance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do they

Focuses on the action or characteristic without prior context.

can they

Focuses on the ability or permission to do something.

have they

Shifts the focus to completed actions or experiences.

will they

Focuses on a future action or state.

is it true they

Adds a layer of verification or doubt.

were they

Refers to a past state or condition.

could it be that they

Introduces a possibility or speculation.

might they

Expresses a lower probability or possibility.

what about them

Shifts the subject to a general consideration of the referent.

how about them

Expresses a query or suggestion regarding them.

FAQs

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

"Are they" is used to form questions about a group of people or things. For example, "Are they going to the party?" or "Are they finished with the project?"

What's the difference between "are they" and "is it"?

"Are they" is used for plural subjects, while "is it" is used for singular subjects. For instance, you would ask "Are they ready?" when referring to multiple people, but "Is it ready?" when referring to a single item.

What can I say instead of "are they"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternative phrases like "do they" or "is it true they" to ask a question in a slightly different way.

When is it incorrect to use "are they"?

It's incorrect to use "are they" when referring to a singular subject. In such cases, you should use "is it" or "is he/she", depending on the context.