the sheep are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the sheep are" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the state, behavior, or characteristics of sheep in a sentence. Example: "The sheep are grazing peacefully in the meadow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This in turn led to merchandise being sold by the club claiming "The Sheep are on fire", and even resulted in local bakeries selling "The Sheep Are on Fire" Pies.

Wikipedia

The sheep are….

The New Yorker

If the sheep are hungry, even better.

Cornell University

Only the sheep are silent, heavy with lamb.

The Guardian

In September, the sheep are gathered off Snowdon.

The Guardian

But the sheep are really struggling being constantly in mud".

The Guardian

The sheep are gone from the green hills here now.

The New York Times

"The sheep are like our parents," Irene told me.

The New York Times - Travel

But the sheep are especially valuable in the search for a human cure.

The Washington Post

And although all the sheep are owned, they roam freely — usually.

The Washington Post

On those criteria, Sofie Laguna and her novel The Eye of the Sheep are worthy recipients.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "the sheep are", ensure the verb tense agrees with the intended time frame. Use present tense for current actions, past tense for completed actions, and future tense for planned actions. Example: "The sheep are grazing now", "The sheep were sheared yesterday".

Common error

Avoid using singular verbs with "the sheep are". Since "sheep" is plural, it requires a plural verb. Correct: "The sheep are grazing." Incorrect: "The sheep is grazing."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the sheep are" functions as a subject and verb, forming the basis of a statement about sheep. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and examples show its use in declaring the state or action of sheep.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the sheep are" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to make statements about sheep. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge. While it maintains a neutral register, proper subject-verb agreement should be observed to avoid errors. Related phrases can offer alternatives depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey. Understanding these factors ensures clear and effective communication when writing about sheep.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the flock is

Singular noun "flock" requires a singular verb, indicating a group treated as a unit.

the sheep graze

Verb replaced with a specific action of sheep, focusing on their activity.

the lambs are

Changes the subject to young sheep, altering the age focus.

sheep exist

A broader statement about the existence of sheep rather than a specific characteristic.

the sheep bleat

Verb replaced with a specific sound sheep make, emphasizing their vocalization.

the herd is

Uses a collective noun referring to a group of animals, similar to a flock.

the cattle are

Replaces 'sheep' with 'cattle', changing the animal being referred to.

the goats are

Replaces 'sheep' with 'goats', changing the species being referred to.

the livestock is

Generalizes to all farm animals, shifting from specific to broad.

the animals are

Substitutes a broader term for 'sheep', generalizing the subject.

FAQs

How do I use "the sheep are" in a sentence?

Use "the sheep are" to describe actions, states, or conditions of sheep in the plural form. For example, "The sheep are grazing in the meadow", or "The sheep are known for their wool."

What's the difference between "the sheep are" and "the sheep is"?

"The sheep are" is grammatically correct because "sheep" is treated as a plural noun in this context, requiring a plural verb. "The sheep is" is generally incorrect unless referring to the word "sheep" itself.

Are there alternatives to using "the sheep are"?

You can use alternatives like "the flock is" if you want to emphasize the group as a single entity, or rephrase to something like "sheep graze" if the context allows.

When should I use "the sheep's" instead of "the sheep are"?

Use "the sheep's" to show possession, for example, "the sheep's wool is soft". This is different from "the sheep are", which describes an action or state.