How To Pronounce “are”

are

function word

Strong form

Used in isolation, at the end of speech, or for emphasis or contrast.

Phonemic

/ɑː/

Phonetic

[ɑːʴ]

e.g. Yes, they are.

/jes.ðeɪˈɑː/

Phonemic

/ɑːr/

e.g. Yes, they are.

/jes.ðeɪˈɑːr/

Weak form

Used in connected speech (UK English adds a linking /r/ before a vowel).

Phonemic

/ə/

Phonetic

[əʴ]

e.g. They are here.

/ðeɪ.əˈhɪə/

Phonemic

/ɚ/

e.g. They are here.

/ðeɪ.ɚˈhɪr/

“are” is a function word, so it has more than one pronunciation. In normal connected speech the weak form is usual. The strong form is used when the word is stressed, said on its own or at the end of a phrase.

Strong form. In British English it is /ɑː/, and in American English it is /ɑːr/. It is used in isolation, at the end of speech, or for emphasis or contrast.

Weak form. In British English it is /ə/, and in American English it is /ɚ/. It is used in connected speech (UK English adds a linking /r/ before a vowel).

Slashes / / show the phonemic transcription, the sounds that change meaning. Square brackets [ ] show the phonetic transcription, with the finer detail of how the sounds are actually made.

Questions About Are

How do you pronounce are in British English?

Strong form, /ɑː/. Weak form, /ə/.

How do you pronounce are in American English?

Strong form, /ɑːr/. Weak form, /ɚ/.

What is the weak form of are?

The weak form of are is /ə/ in British English. It is the usual form in connected speech.

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