The Paradox of ‘are are’ in English

Understanding English can be challenging, especially when it comes to sentence structures and grammar rules that seem sarcastic and paradoxical. And one phrase that has been causing a great deal of between the lines interpretation in English is ‘are are’.

English has its fair share of such grammatical puzzles, and ‘are are’ is among the contenders. Although it may not make sense at the first glance, it isn’t deemed incorrect by professional grammarians. Just like ‘had had’, and ‘that that’, ‘are are’ can sometimes make perfect sense, depending on the context it is used.

The verb ‘are’ is the second-person singular and plural present tense of the verb ‘to be’. On the other hand, is also the first-person, and third-person plural present tense of the same verb. Consequently, it can be used in concern with both individual and collective subjects. The duplication of ‘are’, therefore, suggests a conditional scenario, or as an emphasis of the state of being.

For example, you may hear someone say, “Are are you going to the Victoria House Needlecraft Site?” quite a bit in conversational English. While the duplication may sound strange, it is not grammatically incorrect. The sentence could be interpreted in two ways depending on the speaker’s intonation. The speaker could be asking you if you are really going to the Victoria House Needlecraft Site, emphasizing the word ‘are’. Or it could just be that the speaker is asking the question in a way to confirm if the information is correct.

Conversely, ‘are are’ could easily be a typo, especially in written text. In a hurry to finish a sentence or an anxiety-filled brain trying to multi-task, ‘are are’ could emerge inadvertently. Therefore, in most written contexts, the use of ‘are are’ is reviewed critically under proofreading.

Regardless of its usage, the duplication of ‘are’ shapes the nuance of a sentence, marking a sense of uncertainty, reevaluation, or reconfirmation. So, while it may seem odd, ‘are are’ is admissible, emphasizing the flexibility of English language rules.

The phrase ‘are are’ is a result of the unique nature of English and its evolution. Yet, it can intrigue many, including linguists and literature enthusiasts. It is this complexity that makes English a challenging yet fascinating language to decode.

Whether you’re a linguist, a writer, or just a curious reader, the exploration of such phrases reminds us of the richness and versatility of language. It’s through quirks like ‘are are’ that we can appreciate the inventiveness and resourcefulness of English. Even though it can initially seem out of place, with a closer look and understanding, it makes perfect sense.