# aren't

/ˈɑɹənt/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/arent
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. are not

verb · CEFR A1

the short form of 'are not'.

For teachers: the contraction of the plural or second-person singular present indicative of 'be' with the negative particle 'not'.

- They aren't coming to the party because they have to work late.
- The results aren't consistent with the initial hypothesis, which suggests that the experimental parameters may need to be adjusted for the next trial.

### 2. am not (in questions)

verb · CEFR A2 · Informal

a special form used when you ask a question about yourself using 'I'.

For teachers: a standard contraction for 'am not' used exclusively in interrogative constructions or tag questions with a first-person singular subject.

- I'm next in line, aren't I?
- I am still considered a candidate for the promotion, aren't I?

Usage: This form is grammatically required in tag questions for 'I am', as 'amn't' is not used in standard modern English.

Teaching tip: Learners often find this confusing because 'are' usually goes with 'you' or 'they', but 'aren't I' is the correct and natural way to ask a tag question in English.

## Examples

- They aren't coming to the party tonight.
- If you aren't ready by six o'clock, we will have to leave without you.
- While some critics argue the changes aren't necessary, the majority of the board feels that the current system is no longer sustainable.

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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.