we are

USAGE SUMMARY

"We are" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to two or more people, for example: "We are going to the store today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

We are who we are".

The New York Times - Sports

Because we are what we are.

The New York Times

When we are secure, we are successful.

The New York Times

"So we are where we are".

Independent

"We are sorry for where we are.

The New York Times - Sports

We are who it says we are.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"We were".

The New York Times

"We believed we were.

The New York Times - Sports

We were..

The Washington Post

We were, we told him.

The New York Times

"We're not American, we're Mexican.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are" in formal writing, ensure it's followed by a predicate that clearly defines the group's state, action, or identity. For example, "We are committed to sustainable practices."

Common error

Avoid confusing "we are" with "where" or "were". "We are" indicates a state of being, while "where" indicates a location, and "were" is the past tense of "are". A simple proofread can catch these errors.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "we are" is to serve as a subject-verb combination, indicating the state of being or action performed by a group. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

22%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to express a collective state, action, or identity. As supported by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. When writing, remember to use "we are" followed by a predicate that clearly defines the group's state or intention and avoid confusing it with homophones like "where" or "were". For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "it is our position" or "we maintain that". Overall, "we are" is a fundamental phrase in English, essential for effective communication about groups and their actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we're

It's a shorter form of we are, only changes on style and formality.

we exist

Emphasizes the state of being present or alive as a collective group.

we represent

Focuses on acting as an agent or advocate for a group or cause.

we embody

Highlights the expression or giving a tangible form to an abstract concept.

we comprise

Indicates the components or elements that constitute a group.

we include

Signifies the act of incorporating or containing something within a group.

we identify as

Focuses on expressing self-identification or affiliation with a particular group or identity.

we find ourselves

Expresses a state or situation that a group is currently experiencing.

we consist of

Emphasizes the elements or components that make up a group or entity.

we happen to be

Indicates a coincidental or unplanned association with a particular characteristic or state.

FAQs

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

Use "we are" to describe a state, action, or characteristic of a group. For example, "We are excited about the new project", or "We are a team of dedicated professionals".

What's a contraction of "we are"?

The contraction of "we are" is "we're". It's commonly used in both spoken and written English for brevity.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "we are"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "we are", as long as it's followed by a complete predicate that provides information about the subject "we". For example: "We are ready to begin".

What can I say instead of "we are" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you can use phrases like "it is our position", "we maintain that", or "our stance is" depending on the specific context.