# are

/ˈɑɹ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/are
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to be (plural/you)

verb · CEFR A1

a form of 'be' used with 'you', 'we', and 'they' to describe a state or identity.

For teachers: the present indicative form of 'be' used for the second-person singular and all plural subjects.

- We are very tired after the long walk in the park.
- The researchers are currently investigating the long-term effects of the policy on local communities.

### 2. unit of area

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a metric unit of area equal to 100 square metres.

For teachers: a metric unit of surface area equivalent to 100 square metres; largely superseded by the hectare.

- The small garden was exactly one are in size.
- The land was measured in ares and hectares before the modern standardisation of agricultural records.

## Examples

- They are very happy with the results.
- We are currently looking for a new apartment that is closer to the city center.
- While some critics argue the film is a masterpiece, others are less convinced by its slow pacing and abstract narrative structure.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.