Are vs Our
What’s the difference between them?
Are
Meaning:
are is the present tense second person singular and plural and the first and third person plural form of the verb 'to be'.
Examples:
1. Are you ready to go?
2. Are you feeling better today?
3. Are you sure you don't need help?
Our
Meaning:
Possessive form of the pronoun 'we'.
Examples:
1. Our family always has Sunday dinner together.
2. We are so proud of our accomplishments.
3. Our house is always filled with love.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Are
1. Be
2. Exist
3. Occupy
4. Dwell
5. Abide
1. Disregard
2. Deny
3. Neglect
4. Dismiss
5. Refuse
Our
1. Us
2. We
3. Ourselves
4. Our own
5. Our collective
1. Their
2. Them
3. Other
4. Opposite
5. Contrary
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Are", "Our".
1. 'Are' is a verb and the second person singular and all plural forms of the verb 'to be.'
2. 'Are' is used to indicate the present tense of the verb 'to be' for subjects such as 'you,' 'we,' 'they,' and 'people.'
3. 'Our' is a possessive pronoun that shows ownership or possession.
4. 'Our' is used to indicate that something belongs to 'us' or a group of people, and it is always followed by a noun.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word be used?
'Are' is used to ask questions or to indicate a statement of fact. It may also be used for comparison or to denote the inclusion of something. For example, 'Are you feeling better now?' or 'This sandwich is mine, are you sure you want it?'.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word?
The appropriate context for using 'Our' is when multiple people share a common relationship to something. It is used to refer to something that is owned or shared by multiple people. For example, 'Our house has four bedrooms' or 'I'm so proud of our team's accomplishments'.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words do not share the same pronunciation. The word 'are' is pronounced with a short 'a' sound, while the word 'our' is pronounced with a long 'o' sound.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
Common mistakes people make when using these words are mistaking the usage of 'our' for 'are' and vice versWhile both words can be used to ask questions, only 'are' can be used to indicate a statement of fact. Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind that 'our' refers to something that multiple people share, whereas 'are' does not.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The books on the table _____ not yours; they belong to the library.
2. We must remember that _____ actions have consequences.
3. _____ team won the championship last year, and we are aiming to win again.
4. The stars in the sky _____ so bright tonight.
5. Can you believe how quickly _____ children are growing up?
6. The instructions _____ clear; please follow them exactly as written.
1. Answer: Are
Explanation: Are is used here as it is the present tense form of the verb to be, agreeing with the plural subject books. It is used to make a statement about the current state or condition of the books.
2. Answer: Our
Explanation: Our is a possessive pronoun used to denote ownership or association with the speaker and their group. In this sentence, it is used to attribute the actions to we, indicating that the consequences are a result of the actions of the speaker and their group.
3. Answer: Our
Explanation: Our is used as a possessive pronoun to show that the team belongs to or is associated with the speaker and their group. It indicates that the speaker is a part of the team that won the championship.
4. Answer: Are
Explanation: Are is the correct choice as it is the present tense form of the verb to be, suitable for describing the current state of the stars. It agrees with the plural noun stars, indicating that the stars currently appear bright.
5. Answer: Our
Explanation: Our is a possessive pronoun, indicating that the children belong to or are associated with the speaker and possibly the person spoken to. It reflects a shared sense of belonging or responsibility for the children.
6. Answer: Are
Explanation: Are is used as it is the present tense form of the verb to be, and it agrees with the plural noun instructions. It is used to affirm the current state or condition of the instructions, emphasizing that they are clear and should be followed precisely.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.