Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

verb to be in English grammar

September 30, 2022

The Verb “To Be” in English

The verb “to be” is one of the most important verbs in the English language. It is used as a main verb in many different ways.

's English The Perfect En

The Different Forms of the Verb “To Be”

There are three different forms of the verb “to be” in English:

The infinitive form: to be
The present tense form: am, is, are
The past tense form: was, were

Using the Verb “To Be” in Sentences

The verb “to be” can be used in a variety of ways in sentences. It can be used as a main verb, as an auxiliary verb, or as a linking verb.  It is used as a linking verb to connect the subject of a sentence with a noun or adjective that describes the subject. For example:

The sky is blue.

In this sentence, the verb “to be” is used to connect the subject “sky” with the adjective “blue.” The verb “to be” can also be used as an auxiliary verb to help form questions and negative sentences. For example:

Is the sky blue?

No, the sky is not blue.

 

Examples of the Verb “To Be” in Use

Here are some more examples of the verb “to be” in use:

The sun is hot.

The moon is bright.

The snow is cold.

The Verb “To Be” in Questions

The verb “to be” is used in many different types of questions. It can be used to form yes/no questions, Wh-questions, and tag questions.

We will look at three ways in which the verb “to be” is used: in questions, in forming questions, and in asking questions.

The verb “to be” is used in questions in two ways. The first way is to use the verb “to be” as the main verb in the question. When we ask a question, we use a rising intonation. This means that our voice goes up at the end of the question. For example:

Are you happy?

Is she sad?

The English Grammar Workbook for Adults: A Self-Study Guide to Improve Functional Writing

Verb to be – Present Tense exercises  | The verb “to be” in present tense:

The verb “to be” is used to indicate the present tense. For example, “I am a student.” This means that right now, I am a student. The verb “to be” is also used to indicate the future tense. For example, “I will be a doctor.” This means that in the future, I will be a doctor.

  • Exercises to practice the present tense of the verb “to be”

Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb “to be”. Drop your comments below.

I __________ a student.

It __________ a cat.

You __________ a teacher.

He __________ a doctor.

We __________ friends.

She __________ a nurse.

They __________ siblings.

Need help with the correct form to put in the blanks? Watch this “to be” verb video.

The verb “to be” in past tense:

The verb “to be” is also used to indicate the past tense. For example, “I was a student.” This means that in the past, I was a student.

  • Exercises to practice the past tense of the verb “to be”:Drop your comments below.

Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb “to be”:

I __________ a student.

You __________ a teacher.

He __________ a doctor.

She __________ a nurse.

It __________ a cat.

We __________ friends.

They __________ siblings.

The verb “to be” in future tense:

The verb “to be” is also used to indicate the future tense. For example, “I will be a doctor.” This means that in the future, I will be a doctor.

  • Exercises to practice the future tense of the verb “to be”:

Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb “to be” Drop your comments below.

I __________ a student.

You __________ a teacher.

He __________ a doctor.

She __________ a nurse.

It __________ a cat.

We __________ friends.

They __________ siblings.

The Verb “To Be” in Negative Statements

The verb “to be” can be used to form negative statements. To form a negative statement, the word “not” is added after the verb.

The Verb “To Be” in Positive Statements

The verb “to be” can also be used to form positive statements. To form a positive statement, the word “not” is not added after the verb.

The English Tenses Practical Grammar Guide

The Verb “To Be” in Subjunctive Statements

The verb “to be” can be used in subjunctive statements. A subjunctive statement is a statement that is not necessarily true. To form a subjunctive statement, the word “if” is added before the verb.

 The Verb “To Be” in Imperative Statements

The verb “to be” can be used in imperative statements. An imperative statement is a statement that is issued as a command. To form an imperative statement, the word “please” is added before the verb.

The Verb “To Be” in Tag Questions

The verb “to be” can be used in tag questions. A tag question is a question that is added at the end of a statement. To form a tag question, the word “is” or “are” is added after the verb.

The Verb “To Be” in Special Cases

There are some special cases where the verb “to be” is used in a different way. These cases include the use of the verb in the passive voice, the use of the verb in the progressive tense, and the use of the verb in the future tense.

The Verb “To Be” in Other Languages

The verb “to be” is also important in other languages. In French, the verb “to be” is “être.” In Spanish, the verb “to be” is “ser.” In German, the verb “to be” is “sein.”

The Verb “To Be” in Literature

The verb “to be” is also used a lot in literature. For example, in the famous poem “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot, the verb “to be” is used over and over again. In the poem, the repeated use of the verb “to be” creates a sense of emptiness and despair.

The Verb “To Be” in Philosophy

The verb “to be” is also important in philosophy. For example, in the famous book “Being and Nothingness” by Jean-Paul Sartre, the verb “to be” is used to explore the nature of existence.

The Verb “To Be” in History

The verb “to be” is also important in history. For example, in the famous speech “I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King, Jr., the verb “to be” is used to talk about the future of America.

The Verb “To Be” in Religion

The verb “to be” is also important in religion. For example, in the Bible, the verb “to be” is used to talk about God.

 

Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases on my website.

Leave a Reply