VERBS → TO BE · RULE 18
to be
The most common verb in English. It says who you are, how you feel, where things stand — and it follows its own rules everywhere.
FORMULA
am / is / are
ONE VERB, FIVE FACES
| NOW | PAST | |
|---|---|---|
| I | am | was |
| he / she / it | is | was |
| you / we / they | are | were |
THE THREE FORMS
+
She is a doctor.
subject + be
−
She isn't tired.
be + not
?
Is she at home?
flip: be + subject
to be never needs do: Is she…? She isn't. Do only helps other verbs.
SHORT FORMS
I am → I'm
she is → she's
they are → they're
is not → isn't
are not → aren't
was not → wasn't
SAY IT WITH BE
ageShe is 25.
feelings & statesI am cold. He is afraid.
there is / there areThere is a café near here.
COMMON MISTAKES