A Basic Structure & Example Paragraph
The verb to be is one of the most common verbs in English. We use am, is, and are to describe people, places, things, and situations. The form of the verb depends on the subject of the sentence.
He / She / It + is
You / We / They + are
- I am a student.
- She is very friendly.
- The library is open today.
- They are at the community centre.
- We are ready for class.
My name is Maria, and I am a new student in Canada. My English class is every Tuesday and Thursday evening. My classmates are friendly, and our teacher is very helpful. We are happy because the lessons are interesting and useful.
Tip: Choose the correct form of the verb based on the subject. Use am with I, is with singular subjects, and are with plural subjects and you.
B Contractions
A contraction is a shortened form of two words. In everyday English, people usually use contractions when speaking and in informal writing. An apostrophe (') replaces the missing letter or letters.
He is → He's
She is → She's
It is → It's
You are → You're
We are → We're
They are → They're
- I'm ready for class.
- She's my English teacher.
- It's a beautiful day.
- We're at the library.
- They're studying together.
Tip: Contractions are very common in everyday conversations and informal writing. In formal writing, you will often see the full forms instead.
C Positive Sentences
Use the verb to be in positive sentences to give information about people, places, things, or situations. Choose am, is, or are according to the subject.
- I am excited about my new job.
- My brother is a mechanic.
- The supermarket is close to my house.
- My neighbours are very friendly.
- We are ready to begin the lesson.
Tip: Every positive sentence with the verb to be needs the correct form of the verb. Do not leave out am, is, or are.
D Negative Sentences
Use the negative form of the verb to be to say that something is not true or does not describe a person, place, thing, or situation. Simply add not after am, is, or are.
- I am not tired today.
- She is not at work this morning.
- The restaurant is not open on Mondays.
- We are not late for class.
- They are not ready to leave yet.
Tip: In everyday English, people often use contractions in negative sentences: isn't, aren't, and I'm not. Remember that we normally say I'm not, not I amn't.
E Yes/No Questions & Short Answers
Use the verb to be to ask yes/no questions when you want an answer such as yes or no. To make a question, place am, is, or are before the subject. You can answer with a short answer instead of repeating the whole sentence.
Yes, subject + am / is / are.
No, subject + am / is / are + not.
- Are you ready?
Yes, I am. - Is she your teacher?
No, she isn't. - Are they at home?
Yes, they are. - Is the store open?
No, it isn't. - Am I in the right classroom?
Yes, you are.
Tip: To make a yes/no question, move the verb am, is, or are to the beginning of the sentence. In short answers, use the correct form of the verb to be instead of repeating the entire sentence.
F Wh- Questions
Use Wh- questions when you want more information, not just yes or no. Question words such as who, what, where, when, why, and how come before the verb to be.
- Where are you from?
- What is your favourite hobby?
- Who is your English teacher?
- Why are they late?
- How are your parents?
Tip: Start with the question word, then use the correct form of the verb to be, and finally the subject. Wh- questions help you begin and continue conversations by asking for specific information.
G Using Be with Adjectives
We often use the verb to be with adjectives to describe how someone or something looks, feels, or is. The adjective comes after the verb to be.
- I am happy today.
- She is excited about her new job.
- The weather is cold this morning.
- They are busy this afternoon.
- The children are tired after school.
Tip: An adjective describes a person, place, or thing. After the verb to be, use an adjective, not another verb.
✓ She is happy.
✗ She is smile.
H Key Points to Remember
Remember these key ideas:
- Choose the correct form of the verb to be: am, is, or are.
- Use contractions such as I'm, he's, and they're in everyday conversations and informal writing.
- To make a negative sentence, add not after am, is, or are.
- To make a yes/no question, move am, is, or are before the subject.
- Use Wh- questions to ask for specific information. Place the question word before the verb to be.
- Use the verb to be with adjectives to describe people, places, things, and feelings.
- Remember that every sentence with the verb to be needs the correct form of am, is, or are.
✓ I am from Edmonton.
✓ They're friendly neighbours.
✓ Is she your teacher?
✓ We aren't late.
✗ I is from Edmonton.
✗ They is friendly.
✗ She are happy.
✗ Are he at work?