LoginBe 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 sentence uses the verb "be" in the past tense correctly?
I am going to the store.
She were happy yesterday.
They were excited about the news.
He is working late tonight.
Which sentence correctly uses the negative form of the verb "be"?
She isn't tired.
She not is tired.
She tired isn't.
She is no tired.
Sort the words to make a question using" be".
Match each part of the sentences with their correct ending.
Fill the blanks to complete the story using different forms of "be" in the present and past tense.
Last weekend, I
at the park with my friends. We
having a great time, but suddenly, it started raining. I
feeling well, so I asked my friends, "
you okay?" They replied, "Yes, we
fine, but we should go inside." Later, I
at home, resting and drinking tea.
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