Learn how to use the verb to be in the present simple tense with this beginner grammar lesson. This is one of the most important verbs in the English language, and it is used to describe a wide range of things, including ages, jobs, time, feelings, nationalities, and more.
When conjugating the verb to be, the subject pronoun is used to determine the correct form of the verb.
For example, “I am Jennifer,” or “I’m Jennifer,” is the contraction for “I am.”
To talk about introductions, simply say “I am” or “he is,” or use the contraction form, such as “I’m Jennifer.” The verb to be is also used to talk about ages, nationalities, time, feelings and states, weather, and descriptions, such as “Jane is beautiful.”
To make the verb negative, use “not,” such as “I am not” or “he is not.” If you want to ask a question or make an interrogative sentence with the verb to be, say “am I,” “are you,” or “is he/she/it,” such as “Are you Jack?” or “Is it eight o’clock?”
Positive Form of “Be”
- I am = I’m
- You are = You’re
- He is = He’s
- She is = She’s
- It is = It’s
- We are = We’re
- They are = They’re
In a conversation, the verb to be is used frequently.
“Hello, my name is Joe. What’s your name?”
“I’m Sue.”
“Are you Canadian?”
“No, I’m Scottish.”
“Are you married?”
“Yes, I am. My husband is in the bathroom.”‘
Negative Form of “Be”
We form the negative form of be by adding Subject + Be form + Not.
I am not = I’m not
You are not = You aren’t
He is not = He isn’t
She is = She isn’t
It is not = It isn’t
We are not = We aren’t
They are not = They aren’t
Examples:
- I’m not angry. I’m just tired.
- He isn’t Canadian. He’s American.
- It isn’t rainy. It’s sunny.
Interrogative Form of “Be”
We form the interrogative or question form of be by adding Be form + Subject.
- Am I?
- Are you?
- Is he?
- Is she?
- Is it?
- Are we?
- Are they?
Examples:
- Is it cloudy today?
- Are we in trouble?
- Is it noon?
- Is he kind?
- Are you busy?
The Verb To Be: Age
We can use this verb to talk about our age.
Examples:
- How old are you?
- I’m 27 years old. How old is Jane?
- Jane is 30 years old.
To Be: Feelings
We can also use the verb to be to talk about how we feel.
Examples:
- I’m tired.
- He’s angry.
- You’re happy today.
Nationality
We can also use this verb to talk about our nationality and where we are from.
Example:
I’m from Canada. I’m Canadian.
He’s from Spain. He’s Spanish.
They’re from China. They’re Chinese.
Time/Weather
We can also use this verb to talk about what time it is and what the weather is like.
Examples:
It’s sunny today.
It’s rainy today.
It’s 3:30 PM.
It’s 12 o’clock.
By understanding the proper usage of this verb, you can improve your English language skills and better communicate with others. Can you practice writing some sentences in the present simple?
Today’s homework:
- How do you feel today?
- How old are you?
- Where are you from?
- What is your nationality?
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