N1 Be N2 Means N1=N2?

Question

We are already two weeks into the new year.

I can see the sentence is perfectly fine because a native speaker said that.

But I can't easily accept the sentence logically.

As far as I know, N1 be N2 means N1=N2

I am a doctor. ( I = a doctor)

We are already two weeks... ( we= two weeks ?)

Why do native speakers say like that?

In my opinion, 'have" instead of "be" seems to be OK.

We have already two weeks into the new year.

It's been more than two weeks already since the new year started.

We are already two weeks into the new year.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

anonymous N1 Be N2 Means N1=N2?

No. Equality is nowhere near the meaning of the verb be.

anonymousI can't easily accept the sentence logically.

You have oversimplified the meaning of be, and you can't always appeal to logic where language is concerned. Language exists as it is through historical developments throughout centuries of use, and it is difficult to grasp its meanings at times if strict logic is applied. It's more about usage than about logic. A flexible approach will usually lead to better understanding.

anonymousI am a doctor. ( I = a doctor)

Sorry. This is not equality.

We also say "I am sad", and that's certainly not equality.

Language is not mathematics.

anonymousWe are already two weeks into the new year.

One of the meanings of be has to do with location.

This can be location in space: We are at school. / We are here.
It can be location in time: We are at the end of the game. / We are late.
It can be some other metaphorical location: We are in trouble.

anonymousWhy do native speakers say it like that?

Because that's how it is said in English.

anonymous
In my opinion, 'have" instead of "be" seems to be OK.
We have already two weeks into the new year.

That may be because it is standard usage in your own native language to say it like that. If so, then we English speakers will have to learn to use "have" in those sentences when we learn your language. Each language has its own special ways of expressing ideas.

CJ

N1 Be N2 Means N1=N2?

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