Confusing Words: Are (verb) and Our (determiner)
Meaning:
Are (second person singular present and first, second, third person plural present of be.)
Our (belonging to or associated with the speaker and one or more other people previously mentioned or easily identified.)
Clarification: The words are and our are not interchangeable. They have totally different meanings as well as functions.
Are vs Our – What is Difference, Definition & Meaning?
If you speak out these words, you will come to know that the pronunciation of both are and our is similar to each other. May be, this is the reason for their confusion. Otherwise, the meanings and the functions of both of these words are totally different. Are and our are not interchangeable.
These two words are very frequent words of English vocabulary. It is because of their functions within sentences that every person is used to say out these words many times in a day.
Let us explore the meanings and the functions of these words. I will explain them one by one.
Are
According to many dictionaries, are is the second person singular present and first, second and third person plural present of ‘be’. ‘Be’ is used as a verb within sentences.
1. “You are one of my most favourite friends”, I said to Betty.
2. We are all happy and excited to join you at the cinema.
3. The people of Turkey are so lovable and sweet in communication.
4. Embrace who you are and don’t make any apologies for being yourself. (Unknown)
As a helping verb, are has the same function in the formation of complete clause.
• They are going to finish the deal very soon.
• You are making fun of this little fellow.
• My friends are having an awesome party tonight.
Check Out: The Difference Between Bear and Bare.
Our
According to The Cambridge Dictionary, our is used as a determiner within sentences that means ‘of or belonging to us’. It is a possessive form of ‘we’. It means that our is a possessive determiner or it is used as an adjective pronoun. In this way, it points out a custody or an ownership.
1. Our home is a sweet home.
2. We should keep our places neat and clean in order to protect our families from dangerous diseases.
3. All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to persue them. (Walt Disney)
What Did You Learn?
The words are and our are not interchangeable. They have totally different meanings as well as functions. Are is used as a verb. It is the second person singular present and first, second and third person plural present of ‘be’. Our, on the other hand, is used as a possessive determiner. It can point out a custody or an ownership.