To Be (Present)
The verb "to be" is a special verb in English. It can show information about who, what, where, or how someone or something is. When we use "to be," we change its form depending on the subject. This is called conjugation. For example, we say "I am," "you are," "she is," etc. "To be" is an important verb to learn because it helps us describe people, things, and situations.
Below, you can see how this verb changes with different subjects.
POSITIVE STATEMENTS
I am / I'm ...
You are / You're ...
He is / He's ...
She is / She's ...
It is / It's ...
We are / We're ...
You are / You're ...
They are / They're ...
NEGATIVE STATEMENTS
I am not / I'm not ...
You are not / You aren't ...
He is not / He isn't ...
She is not / She isn't ...
It is not / It isn't ...
We are not / We aren't ...
You are not / You aren't ...
They are not / They aren't ...
POSITIVE QUESTIONS
Am I ...?
Are you ...?
Is he ...?
Is she ...?
Is it ...?
Are we ...?
Are you ...?
Are they ...?
NEGATIVE QUESTIONS
Am I not ...?
Are you not / Aren't you ...?
Is he not / Isn't he ...?
Is she not / Isn't she ...?
Is it not / Isn't it ...?
Are we not / Aren't we ...?
Are you not / Aren't you ...?
Are they not / Aren't they ...?
The forms "am", "is" and "are" act as both main verbs and auxiliary verbs. That means we use them not only to describe but also to form negative sentences and questions.
+She is / She's a doctor.
-She is not / isn't a doctor.
+?Is she a doctor?
-?Is she not / Isn't she a doctor?
Yes, she is. // No, She isn't.
+They are / They're friendly.
-They are not / They aren't friendly.
+?Are they friendly?
-?Are they not / Aren't they friendly?
Yes, they are. // No, they aren't.
Exercises
Complete the mini-dialogues below with the correct forms of the verb "be" (am / is / are). Use contractions wherever possible.
1.A: ____ you from Tokyo?B: No, I ____. I ____ Chinese.
A: Are you from Tokyo?B: No, I'm not. I'm Chinese.
2.A: Where ____ the other students? ____ they at the gym?B: No, they ____. They ____ at the swimming pool.
A: Where are the other students? Are they at the gym?B: No, they aren't. They're at the swimming pool.
3.A: Where ____ you from?B: I ____ from London. It ____ the capital of England.
A: Where are you from?B: I'm from London. It's the capital of England.
4.A: ____ you married?B: No, I ____, but my brother ____. He has two kids.
A: Are you married?B: No, I'm not, but my brother is. He has two kids.