ENGLISH
REFERENCE

aren't

v.
A1 Beginner US //ˈɑɹənt// ar·ent Archaic

v. the short way to say 'are not'. You use it to make a negative sentence with 'we', 'you', or 'they'.

v. the contracted form of 'are not'. Used in negative constructions with plural subjects and the second-person singular.


SIMPLE

They aren't coming to the party tonight.

CONTEXTUAL

If you aren't ready by six o'clock, we will have to leave without you.

COMPLEX

While some critics argue the changes aren't necessary, the majority of the board feels that the current system is no longer sustainable.

Etymology 1

are + -n’t

Etymology 2

Spelling replacement of the homonym an’t.

Usage

Used as an auxiliary verb or a linking verb; common in speech and informal writing but often avoided in formal academic prose.

Pitfall

I aren't sureI'm not sureLearners sometimes use 'aren't' with the first-person singular 'I', but 'am not' or 'I'm not' is required.

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