are we

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are we" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to ask a question within a sentence, such as: "What are we supposed to do now?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are we hot or are we not?

Los Angeles Times

Or are we wrong?

The New Yorker

What monsters are we?

The New York Times - Books

"So are we.

The New York Times

Who are we missing?

The New York Times

What are we building?

The New Yorker

What are we watching?

The New York Times

What are we preventing?

The New Yorker

"When are we leaving?

The New Yorker

"How are we different?

The New York Times

"Who are we defending?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are we" in questions, ensure the context clearly defines who "we" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "are we" when the intended audience or group isn't clearly established. This can lead to confusion or misinterpretation of your question's intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are we" serves as an interrogative structure, initiating questions that seek confirmation, agreement, or shared understanding. Ludwig examples show it framing inquiries about current states, future actions, or collective identities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academic sources

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are we" is a common and grammatically sound way to form questions in English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It invites shared reflection or action, seeking either confirmation or denial. Found most frequently in News & Media, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse contexts. Ludwig's analysis highlights its function as an interrogative structure aimed at eliciting responses and gauging consensus. Remember to clarify the referent of "we" to avoid ambiguity. Overall, its frequent usage across authoritative sources underscores its versatility and importance in both spoken and written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do we

Focuses on action or state without explicitly questioning belonging to a group.

are we truly

Adds emphasis to the sincerity or reality of the 'we' state.

should we

Suggests a course of action, moving from a question of fact to a question of obligation or advisability.

can we

Explores possibility or permission, instead of simple affirmation.

might we

Proposes a more tentative or polite inquiry.

could we

Indicates a conditional or hypothetical situation.

are we really

Emphasizes the validity of an existing state or condition.

shall we

Used to make suggestions or offers, primarily in British English.

do you think we

Shifts focus by inviting the listener's opinion.

is it that we

Introduces a possible reason or explanation of an specific event.

FAQs

How do I use "are we" in a sentence?

Use "are we" to form questions about a shared state, action, or identity. For example, "Are we there yet?" or "Are we going to the party?"

What's a more formal way to phrase a question starting with "are we"?

For a more formal tone, consider rephrasing the question. Instead of "are we ready?", you could ask "is the group prepared?" or "have we reached a consensus?"

When is it inappropriate to use "are we"?

Avoid using "are we" when the group you are referring to is unclear or when the question implies a responsibility that doesn't apply to everyone in the "we" group.

What can I say instead of "are we" when addressing an individual as part of a group?

You might use phrases like "do you feel...?" or "are you also...?" to specify that you're including them in a broader consideration. This can add clarity to your intent and make sure that you are communicating in the most effective way.