they are

USAGE SUMMARY

"they are" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce a description or definition of something. For example: "They are the best soccer team in the state."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are what they are!

The New York Times

They are mature; they are grown up.

The New York Times

As yellow as they are, they are.

The New Yorker

They are angry because they are alienated.

The New York Times

If they are to you, they are.

The New York Times - Food

They are engaged, and they are direct".

The New York Times

They are true believers, they are intellectuals.

The New York Times - Arts

They are fallible, and they are misleading.

The New Yorker

They are not Muslims, they are monsters.

Independent

They are misused; they are unfair.

The New Yorker

"They are here; they are in Mogadishu.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing more formally, consider using "they're" as a contraction to make your writing more concise and fluid.

Common error

Ensure that the pronoun "they" has a clear and unambiguous reference. Avoid using "they are" when it's unclear who or what "they" refers to, as this can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are" functions as a subject-verb construction, typically used to introduce a description, definition, or characteristic of a group of people or things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

31%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are" is a grammatically correct and very common construction used to describe or define a group of people or things. As Ludwig AI suggests, it’s suitable for various contexts, from formal writing to casual conversation. Its frequent occurrence in news, scientific articles, and wikis underscores its versatility. When using "they are", ensure the antecedent is clear to avoid ambiguity. For more informal communication, consider using the contraction "they're", but reserve the full form for formal writing. Alternatives such as "they exist" or rephrasing the sentence to be more specific can sometimes provide greater clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is what they are

Emphasizes the identity of something in a more descriptive way.

they exist

Focuses on the existence of something rather than describing qualities.

they can be

Highlights potential or conditional states.

they seem to be

Indicates an apparent quality or state.

they happen to be

Emphasizes a chance or unexpected quality.

they may be

Highlights possibilities and potentials.

those happen to be

Shift focus on something more specific and emphasizes chance or unexpected quality.

they consist of

Indicates composition or components.

they represent

Conveys meaning and intentions.

they will be

Refers to a future state or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "they are" in a sentence?

"They are" is used to describe or identify a group or set of things or people. For example, "They are my best friends" or "They are essential for the project's success."

What's the difference between "they are" and "there are"?

"They are" is a pronoun and verb used to describe nouns, while "there are" indicates the existence of something. For example, "They are students" versus "There are many students in the class."

When is it appropriate to use the contraction "they're" instead of "they are"?

The contraction "they're" can be used in place of "they are" in most informal contexts to create a more conversational tone. However, in formal writing, it's generally preferable to use the full form "they are".

What are some alternatives to "they are"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "they exist", "they can be", or a more specific description that replaces the pronoun altogether.