we are not

USAGE SUMMARY

"we are not" is a perfectly correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You could use it when you want to make a negative statement. For example: "We are not happy with the results of the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are not puppets.

The New York Times

We are not present.

The New Yorker

We are not invalids.

The New York Times

We are not Dubai".

The New York Times

We are not fooled.

The New Yorker

We are not victims!

The New York Times

Unfortunately, we are not.

Independent

We are not naïve.

The New York Times

We are not convinced.

The New York Times

We are not buying.

The New York Times

We are not connected.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are not" to clearly negate a statement or association. For emphasis, consider alternatives like "we certainly are not".

Common error

Ensure your sentence does not inadvertently create a double negative. For example, avoid constructions like "We are not unaware" when "We are aware" is clearer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are not" functions as a negating expression. It is used to deny an association, identity, or attribute. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is a common and correct way to form negative statements in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are not" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express negation, disagreement, or differentiation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is widespread and considered correct in English. Its frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscore its common usage across various contexts. Whether it's clarifying boundaries or countering assumptions, "we are not" serves as a clear and effective means of denial. Consider also the variety of alternative phrases available for similar purposes to enrich your expression and avoid monotony.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we're not

Contraction of "we are not".

we aren't

Another contraction of "we are not", commonly used in informal contexts.

we do not

Emphasizes the negation more strongly.

it's not us

Shifts the focus to exclude the speaker from a group or action.

that is not our intention

Formal way to state a lack of intent.

we have not

Indicates a lack of completion or possession.

we should not

Expresses a lack of obligation or recommendation.

we cannot

Indicates an inability to perform an action.

we will not

Expresses a future negation or refusal.

we must not

Expresses a lack of necessity or prohibition.

FAQs

How can I use "we are not" in a sentence?

"We are not" is used to negate a statement or association. For example, "We are not responsible for his actions".

What's the difference between "we are not" and "we aren't"?

"We are not" is the full form, while "we aren't" is a contraction. "We aren't" is generally used in informal contexts.

What are some alternatives to "we are not"?

Alternatives include "we're not", "we do not", or "it is not us", depending on the context.

When is it better to use "we are not" versus "we aren't"?

Use "we are not" in formal writing or when you want to emphasize the negation. Use "we aren't" in informal conversations or writing.