are用作助动词时，可以构成时态：现在进行时。可以构成语态：被动语态。无论是时态还是语态，主语必须是复数，因为are复数形式。例句：
一：构成现在进行时态：
1、We are watching TV.
2、They are playing basketball on the playground.
二：构成被动语态：
1、These books are published in that publishing house.
2、Colours TVs are made in that factory.
are是be动词的其中一种形式。即可用作系动词，也可以用作助动词。一，当它后跟动词的过去分词时，构成被动语态。例如The trees are planted every spring.二，当他后面跟动词的ing形式时，便构成了一种时态现在进行时。例如，They are learning English now
