Be For beginners
Learn how to use the verb "be" in simple sentences. Easy explanations and exercises to help you understand this important verb.
What is the Verb 'Be'?
The verb 'be' can take different forms based on tense and subject.
Different Forms of 'Be'
In the present tense, 'be' can have three forms based on the subject:
Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
I am | we are |
you are | you are |
she/he/it is | they are |
Here are some example sentences:
I am happy.
She is reading a book.
We are friends.
In the past tense, it has two forms based on the subject:
Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
I was | we were |
you were | you were |
she/he/it was | they were |
Here are some example sentences:
He was a teacher.
They were angry at me.
Questions with 'Be'
To form questions using 'be' verb, change the place of the subject and the verb. For example:
He is an actor. → Is he an actor?
They are angry. → Are they angry?
We were home last night → Were you home last night?
Negation
To make a negative sentence with 'be' verb just add 'not' after it.
I am studying → I am not studying.
She is busy. → She is not busy./She isn't busy.
He was happy to see us. → He was not happy to see us./He wasn't happy to see us.
You were a student. → You were not a student./You weren't a student.
Quiz:
Which of the following is the correct past tense form of "be" for the subject "she"?
was
is
were
am
Fill the blanks with the correct form of "be" based on the subject and tense.
I
going to the store later.
They
very excited about the trip next week.
She
tired last night.
I
studying for my exams yesterday.
He
not feeling well today.
We
planning a trip next month.
Fill in the table with the correct forms of the verb "be" for each subject and tense.
| Subject | Present | Past |
|---|---|---|
I | ||
you | ||
he/she/it | ||
we | ||
they |
Which sentence is the correct question form of the statement?
You are happy. → Are you happy?
She is studying. → Is studying she?
He is running → Is running he?
I am not sad. → Not am I sad?
Complete the table with the correct statement, negative, and question form of the verb "to be" based on the subject and tense
| Statement | Negative | Question |
|---|---|---|
They are angry. | They angry. | angry? |
She busy. | She is not busy. | busy? |
You a student | You a student. | Were you a student? |
I happy. | I was not happy. | you happy? |
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