Verb To Be helps you communicate about identity, description, location and state. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can use forms of be to identify and describe people, things and states.
- Recognise and build the form: am/is/are; was/were; be/been.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Verb To Be for identity, description, location and state. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
I am ready.
Use 'am' with the first-person singular subject 'I'.
My sister is a doctor.
Use 'is' with a singular third-person subject.
We are at the station now.
Use 'are' with the plural subject 'we'.
am/is/are; was/were; be/beenKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- Use 'am' with the first-person singular subject 'I'.
- Use 'is' with a singular third-person subject.
- Use 'are' with the plural subject 'we'.
- Use 'were' with a plural subject in the past.
- Use 'was' with 'he' for a past state or location.
Common mistakes
Not:I is ready.
Use:I am ready.
Use 'am' with the first-person singular subject 'I'.
Not:My sister am a doctor.
Use:My sister is a doctor.
Use 'is' with a singular third-person subject.
Not:We am at the station now.
Use:We are at the station now.
Use 'are' with the plural subject 'we'.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
The shops ____ closed yesterday.
were
Use 'were' with a plural subject in the past.
He ____ at school last Monday.
was
Use 'was' with 'he' for a past state or location.
They ____ not late today.
are
Use 'are not' with the plural subject 'they'.