they are really

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are really" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a statement or opinion about a subject, often expressing strong feelings or beliefs. Example: "They are really talented musicians, and their performances always leave the audience in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They are really scary.

The Guardian - Music

(They are really not).

The New York Times

"They are really dead".

The New Yorker

They are really strong.

The New York Times - Magazine

They are really effective.

The New York Times

They are really annoying.

The New York Times - Sports

"They are really murderers.

The New York Times

They are really stepping up.

The New York Times

"They are really, really big.

The New York Times - Sports

They are really angry.

The Guardian

They are really blind.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are really" to add emphasis to a statement, but avoid overuse to maintain impact.

Common error

Avoid using "really" in every sentence, as it can weaken your writing and make it sound less sincere. Instead, vary your vocabulary with stronger adjectives or adverbs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are really" functions as an intensifier, adding emphasis to the adjective or verb that follows. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used to strengthen a statement or express a strong feeling about something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they are really" is a grammatically sound and highly versatile phrase used to add emphasis and express strong feelings. As demonstrated by Ludwig AI and numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While perfectly acceptable, overuse can diminish its impact; so, explore alternatives like "they truly are" or stronger adjectives to maintain writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they truly are

Emphasizes the truth or genuineness of a statement.

they certainly are

Indicates a strong affirmation or agreement.

they definitely are

Expresses a firm and clear confirmation.

they genuinely are

Highlights the sincerity or authenticity of a quality or state.

they absolutely are

Conveys complete agreement or affirmation without any doubt.

they indeed are

Adds a formal tone while confirming something.

they verily are

An archaic way to emphasize the truth of a statement.

they actually are

Used to express surprise or contrast with prior expectations.

they legitimately are

Implies something is rightfully or lawfully so.

they honestly are

Indicates sincerity in the speaker's assessment.

FAQs

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

Use "they are really" to emphasize a quality or state of being. For example, "They are really talented musicians" or "They are really struggling financially."

What are some alternatives to "they are really"?

You can use alternatives such as "they truly are", "they certainly are", or "they absolutely are" to add emphasis to your sentence.

Is it grammatically correct to say "they are really"?

Yes, "they are really" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English to emphasize a statement.

When is it best to avoid using "they are really" in writing?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "they are really" can weaken your writing. Opt for stronger verbs or adjectives to convey your message more effectively. For instance, instead of "They are really struggling", consider "They are floundering".