are tied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are tied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a connection or relationship between two or more subjects, often in contexts involving competition or comparison. Example: "The two teams are tied in the standings, making the final game crucial for determining the champion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our hands are tied.

The New Yorker

"My hands are tied".

The New Yorker

His hands are tied.

Independent

These women are tied together.

The New York Times - Arts

The opinion polls are tied.

The Economist

The two are tied together.

The Economist

They are tied to value.

The New York Times - Arts

Perhaps his hands are tied.

Independent

The finals are tied.

The New York Times - Sports

We are tied!

The Guardian - Sport

@kieranclarkz Our hands are tied unfortunately Kieran.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are tied" to describe a competitive situation, clarify the specific criteria that are equal (e.g., "The teams are tied in points but separated by goal difference").

Common error

Avoid using "are tied" when you mean simply "are connected" or "are related" in non-competitive situations. For general connections, phrases like "are linked" or "are associated" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are tied" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of being linked, equal, or connected. It often signifies a condition of equality in competitive contexts or a strong interdependency between subjects. Ludwig examples support its versatile usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are tied" is a versatile expression used to denote equality, connection, or dependency between multiple entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When employing "are tied", ensure that the context is appropriate, particularly distinguishing between situations requiring precise indications of equality versus more general connections. Alternative phrases such as "are linked", "are connected", or "are equal" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. By adhering to best practices and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively leverage "are tied" to convey their intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are connected

Focuses on the linking aspect, emphasizing a direct relationship between items.

are linked

Similar to 'are connected', but can imply a more indirect or abstract relationship.

are intertwined

Suggests a complex and inseparable relationship.

are related

Suggests a general association without specifying the nature of the connection.

are associated

Implies a correlation or frequent co-occurrence.

are bound

Emphasizes a strong, often unavoidable connection or obligation.

are contingent

Highlights the dependence of one thing on another.

are dependent

Similar to 'are contingent', stressing reliance.

are equal

Indicates that two or more things have the same value or status, often in a competitive context.

are even

Similar to 'are equal', often used in sports or competitions to indicate a tied score.

FAQs

How to use "are tied" in a sentence?

The phrase "are tied" is used to indicate that two or more things are connected, equal, or dependent on each other. For example, "The teams are tied for first place", or "Their fates are tied together".

What can I say instead of "are tied"?

You can use alternatives like "are connected", "are linked", or "are equal" depending on the specific context.

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

"Are tied" is used when referring to multiple subjects or a plural subject. "Is tied" is used when referring to a single subject. For example, "The two teams are tied", but "The score is tied".

What's the difference between "are tied" and "are related"?

"Are tied" often implies a stronger or more direct connection, or a state of equality in a competition. "Are related" ("are related") suggests a general association or connection, which might not be as strong or direct.