Verb 'to be' - usage. am-is-are - explanation. Verb to be am/is/are rules.
Elementary Level
The verb "to be" is one of the most essential and versatile verbs in the English language. The verb "to be," particularly in its present tense forms "am," "is," and "are," is a fundamental component of English grammar. These forms are used to express identity, characteristics, states, and conditions. Mastery of "am," "is," and "are" is important for constructing clear and accurate sentences, allowing speakers to convey information about themselves and their surroundings effectively.
Structure
"Am" is the first person singular form, used with the pronoun "I."
"Is" is the third person singular form, used with singular nouns and pronouns.
"Are" is the plural form, used with plural nouns and pronouns.
Affirmative
The verb "to be" is placed after the subject to form the affirmative.
I | am |
He/She/It | is |
You/We/They | are |
I am a doctor. = I'm a doctor.
He is a doctor. = He's a doctor.
We are doctors. = We're doctors.
Negative
The verb "to be" and then 'not' is placed after the subject to form the negative.
I | am + not |
He/She/It | is + not |
You/We/They | are + not |
I am not a doctor. = I'm not a doctor.
He is not a doctor. = He isn't a doctor.
We are not doctors. = We aren't doctors.
Question The verb "to be" is placed before the subject to form the question.
Am | I |
Is | he/she/it |
Are | we/you/they |
Am I a doctor?
Is he a doctor?
Are we doctors?
Usage
1. It is used when talking about a person's name, age, profession, religion, nationality or relationships.
・I am 25 years old.
・She is a doctor.
・He is a lawyer.
・He is Muslim.
・I am American.
・She is from Japan.
・He is my best friend.
・They are husband and wife.
・They are teachers and we are students.
・Tom and Mia are married. They are happy.
2. It is used to describe someone or something (feelings, qualities, states).
・I am tall.
・You are smart.
・He is very rude.
・This job isn't easy.
・The dogs are playful.
・The book is not interesting.
・Is he busy today?
・This car isn't cheap.
・Tom is upset, but he is not angry.
・My shoes are new and they are expensive.
3. It is used to show the position or indicate location.
・I am not at home.
・She is in the office.
・Is he at the park?
・We are in the garden.
・The keys are on the table.
・My book is in the drawer.
・Mia is not here. She is at work.
4. It is used when talking about time and dates.
・It is 10 o'clock.
・Is today Monday?
・The meeting isn't at 3 PM.
・My birthday is in June.
・The exam is next week.
・The event is on Friday.
5. It is used when talking about distance and weather.
・It is sunny today.
・It is cold outside.
・The store is nearby.
・The station is five miles away.
・The weather is cold. It is not hot.
Question Words
When we want to make a question with a question word, this structure 'Question word + verb to be + subject' is used.
・What is her name? - Her name is Mia.
・Where are you from? - I am from Germany.
・How are you? - I am fine.
・When is your wedding? - It is on Sunday.
・Why are you not at work today? - Because I'm sick.
・What is this? - It is a book.
・Who is that woman? - She is my teacher.
・How much is it? - It is ten dollars.
・How old is your mother? - She 45 years old.
Short Answers
In English short answers are commonly used instead of long answers.
Yes, I am. |
Yes, he/she/it is. |
Yes, you/we/they are. |
No, I'm not. |
No, he's not. (= No, he isn't.) No, she's not. (= No, she isn't.) No, it's not. (= No, it isn't.) |
No, you're not. (= No, you aren't.) No, we're not. (= No, we aren't.) No, they're not. (= No, they aren't.) |
・Are you a student?
- Yes, I am.
- Yes, I am a student.
・Is it hot today?
- No, it isn't.
- No, it is not hot today.
・Are they at work?
- Yes, they are.
- Yes, they are at work.
・Am I late?
- No, you aren't.
- No, You aren't late.
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