are we not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are we not" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to pose a rhetorical question or to emphasize a point in a discussion. Example: "We have worked hard to achieve our goals, are we not deserving of recognition?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are we or are we not?

Huffington Post

Are we hot or are we not?

Los Angeles Times

Why are we not downsizing?

Independent

Why are we not freedom fighters, too?

The New York Times

"Boy-oh-boy, are we not prepared.

The New York Times

"When are we not going for wins?

The New York Times - Sports

Why are we not being protected?

The Guardian - Opinion

Why are we not disarming the Japanese?

The Guardian

Why are we not making plays?

The New York Times - Sports

Then why are we not doing it?

The Guardian - Opinion

What are we not good at?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are we not" in writing, consider your audience and the context. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound formal or old-fashioned, especially when "aren't we" is a more common alternative in spoken English.

Common error

Be mindful of your audience and the overall tone of your writing. Using "are we not" in informal contexts may sound stilted or unnatural. Consider using the contraction "aren't we" for a more conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are we not" functions primarily as an interrogative tag or rhetorical device. It's used to solicit agreement or emphasize a point, turning a statement into a question. As Ludwig AI indicates, it follows standard grammatical rules and can be used to pose questions or emphasize a point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are we not" is a versatile interrogative tag predominantly found in news and media, serving to engage audiences and emphasize points. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its utility in posing rhetorical questions. While effective, writers should remain mindful of its relatively formal tone, considering "aren't we" as a more informal alternative. The authoritative sources using this phrase span across reputable news outlets, showcasing its presence in well-regarded publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aren't we

Contraction of "are we not", offering a more informal and quicker way to ask the same question.

are we really not

Adds emphasis to the "not", expressing surprise or disbelief at the negative state.

do we not

Emphasizes the action or state being questioned, adding a layer of insistence.

don't we

Contraction of "do we not", presenting an informal way to question a shared understanding or action.

shouldn't we

Suggests an expectation or obligation, questioning why a particular action hasn't been taken.

weren't we supposed to

Questions whether a previously agreed-upon action or state has been forgotten or neglected.

must we not

Implies a stronger obligation or necessity, questioning whether something should be avoided.

can we not

Questions the possibility or permissibility of something, often implying a desire to avoid it.

could we not

Poses a hypothetical question about the possibility of avoiding something.

is it not the case that we

A more formal and verbose way of posing the question, suitable for academic or legal contexts.

FAQs

What does "are we not" mean?

The phrase "are we not" is a question tag used to seek agreement or confirmation on a statement. It is essentially a way of saying, "Do you agree with me?". For example, "We are all in this together, "are we not"?" suggests a shared experience or responsibility.

When is it appropriate to use "are we not"?

The phrase "are we not" is best used in formal writing or when emphasizing a point. It can also be used rhetorically to engage the audience. In casual conversation, the contraction "aren't we" is generally more common.

What are some common phrases that include "are we not"?

Common phrases include "are we not all", "are we not supposed to", and "are we not responsible?". These phrases often introduce a question that challenges assumptions or calls for reflection.

What are some alternatives to "are we not"?

Alternatives include "aren't we", which is a contraction and more informal, or rephrasing the sentence to directly ask for agreement, such as "Do we agree?" or "Isn't that right?".