two are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "two are" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is a common phrase used to indicate the quantity or number of two things. Example: Two are better than one when it comes to solving difficult problems.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Two are most heinous.

The Economist

Two are in custody.

The Economist

No two are alike.

The New York Times - Science

Two are coming together.

The New York Times - Arts

"You two are sisters?

The New York Times

The two are incompatible.

The New York Times - Tech

We two are one.

The New York Times

(Two are still unpublished).

The New Yorker

(Two are retiring).

The New York Times

The two are inseparable.

The New York Times - Books

But two are new.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "two are" when you want to explicitly state that you are referring to exactly two items or entities. This phrase is straightforward and easily understood.

Common error

Avoid confusing "two are" with "too are". "Too" indicates 'also' or 'excessively', while "two" signifies the number 2. Using "too are" instead of "two are" can lead to grammatical errors and confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "two are" primarily functions as a subject-verb construction indicating the presence of two entities or items. Ludwig's examples highlight its versatility in various contexts, from describing physical objects to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "two are" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the existence or characteristics of exactly two entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common phrase applicable across various contexts, predominantly in news and media, science, and business domains. While straightforward, it's important to differentiate "two are" from its homophone "too are" to avoid grammatical errors. Utilizing alternatives like "a couple are" or "both remain" can add nuance, depending on the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a couple are

Uses the term 'couple' to signify two.

a pair is

Focuses on the pair nature of the subjects being discussed.

double are

Uses 'double' to signify the presence of two.

the two comprise

Emphasizes the composition of something by two elements.

both exist

Highlights the existence of two separate entities.

two entities are

More formal, emphasizing the independent nature of the two subjects.

the pair consists of

Indicates that the two items form a distinct pair.

both remain

Focuses on the continuous existence or state of two subjects.

duo is

Implies a partnership or close association between the two.

the two include

Highlights that the group of two are incorporated into something larger.

FAQs

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

The phrase "two are" is used to indicate that there are exactly two of something. For example, "Two are missing from the group" indicates that specifically two members are absent.

What's a more formal way to say "two are"?

More formal alternatives include "a couple are" or specifying the entities, such as "both remain". The best choice depends on the context.

What words often follow the phrase "two are"?

Common words following "two are" include adjectives, participles, or prepositional phrases that describe the entities. For example, "Two are ready", "Two are missing", or "Two are in agreement".

Is there a difference between saying "the two are" and "two are"?

Yes, "the two are" implies that you've already identified the specific entities, whereas "two are" introduces the idea that there are two of something without prior specification. For example, "The two are inseparable" versus "Two are missing from the group".