hardware are

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "hardware are" can be used in written English, but it is not commonly used.
"Hardware" is considered to be a singular noun, and as such, it usually takes a singular verb form (e.g. hardware is). However, in certain cases, it may be grammatically correct to use the plural verb form "are" with "hardware" as the subject. One example of when "hardware are" can be used is in a sentence discussing multiple types of hardware, such as different computer components or devices. For instance: "The hardware are essential for the functioning of a computer system." In this sentence, "hardware" refers to a collection of different components or devices, so the plural verb form "are" is used to match the plural subject.

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

All screws and hardware are included.

The New York Times

Rockets, spacecraft and other hardware are being designed and built.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Putin still denying Russia's troops and hardware are in Ukraine.

The Guardian

Executives at Restoration Hardware are almost eager to take responsibility for the debacle.

The New York Times

No doubt computer and military hardware are equivalent on some plane.

The New York Times - Arts

The enhanced power of new mobile devices and their hardware are helping to drive this growth.

The Guardian

The pendant lights made by Restoration Hardware are especially handsome and very affordable.

The New York Times

Russia has denied its troops and hardware are in eastern Ukraine.

The Guardian

Most unmanned scientific spacecraft and all manned space hardware are procured by government agencies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

First, margins on hardware are generally lower than margins on services.

The Economist

Emeco and Restoration Hardware are vying for the soul of the same buyer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to "hardware" in general, especially in formal writing, favor "hardware is" to maintain grammatical correctness. However, if referring to specific types of hardware as a collective, "hardware are" can be acceptable.

Common error

Avoid using "hardware are" when referring to hardware as a general, uncountable noun. Instead, use the singular form "hardware is" to ensure grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hardware are" typically functions as a subject and verb in a sentence. Although grammar dictates using "hardware is", Ludwig examples show common usage of "hardware are", particularly when discussing various pieces of hardware.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "hardware are" is commonly used, as evidenced by Ludwig examples, it's grammatically questionable. "Hardware" is generally considered a singular noun, suggesting "hardware is" is more correct. However, context matters; if referring to specific types of hardware, the plural verb might be acceptable, though still less conventional. Ludwig AI highlights the common usage across various sources, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When in doubt, especially in formal writing, opting for "hardware is" or restructuring the sentence ensures grammatical precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hardware is

Changes the verb conjugation to singular to match the singular noun "hardware".

equipment is

Replaces "hardware" with the synonym "equipment" and uses the singular verb form.

components are

Substitutes "hardware" with the more specific term "components", maintaining the plural verb.

devices are

Replaces "hardware" with "devices", retaining the plural verb.

systems are

Replaces "hardware" with "systems", which implies a collection of hardware.

infrastructure is

Replaces "hardware" with "infrastructure", implying a singular collective entity.

the hardware consists of

Restructures the sentence to use "consists of" to describe the hardware.

the physical components include

Expands "hardware" to "physical components" and uses the verb "include".

the machinery comprises

Uses "machinery" in place of "hardware" with the verb "comprises", which is singular.

the instruments consist of

Replaces "hardware" with "instruments", using the plural "consist of".

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "hardware are"?

While commonly used, "hardware are" is grammatically questionable. "Hardware" is generally treated as a singular noun, so "hardware is" is often more appropriate. However, if you are referring to specific types of hardware collectively, "hardware are" can be acceptable.

When should I use "hardware is" instead of "hardware are"?

Use "hardware is" when referring to hardware in general as a singular concept. Consider alternatives like "equipment is" to maintain formal grammatical structure.

What are some alternatives to saying "hardware are"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "components are", "devices are", or restructure the sentence to use "hardware is".

Is there a difference in meaning between "hardware is" and "hardware are"?

"Hardware is" treats "hardware" as a singular, uncountable noun, referring to the general concept. "Hardware are" implies that you are talking about specific, countable types of hardware, though it's less grammatically conventional. Consider the specific types of "equipment are".