Be Verbs

Learn how to make basic sentences with Be verbs in the simple present tense.
Sound Grammar

Be Verbs

Watch four conversations using the grammar on elllo.org.

Answer the following questions about the interview.

Be Verbs (am, is, are) Simple Present

Point 1: The be verb has three forms in the present tense: am, is, and are. It connects a subject with a noun, adjective, or preposition.

Before Nouns

  1. I am a teacher.
  2. You are a student.

Before Adjectives

  1. I am hungry.
  2. It is hot today.

Before Prepositions

  1. She is at home.
  2. The books are on the table.
Point 2: Use am and am not with the pronoun I.
  1. I am American.
  2. I am not tired.
  3. I'm happy. (am = 'm)
  4. I'm not sad. (am = 'm)
Point 3: Use are and are not with the pronoun you.
  1. You are a student.
  2. You are not a teacher.
  3. You're a nice person. (are = 're)
  4. You're not late. (are not = 're not)
  5. You aren't late. (are not = aren't)
Point 4: Use is and is not with the pronoun she.
  1. Mary is my friend.
  2. She is not my sister.
  3. She's very smart. (is = 's)
  4. She's not here. (is not = 's not)
  5. She isn't here. (is not = isn't)
Point 5: Use is and is not with the pronoun he.
  1. Jason is my friend.
  2. He is not my brother.
  3. He's very smart. (is = 's)
  4. He's not here. (is not = 's not)
  5. He isn't here. (is not = isn't)
Point 6: Use is and is not with the pronoun it.
  1. The weather is cold today.
  2. It is not warm.
  3. It's easy. (is = 's)
  4. It's not hard. (is not = 's not)
  5. It isn't hard. (is not = isn't)
Point 7: Use are and are not with the pronoun they.
  1. Beth and Bob are my friends.
  2. They are not from here.
  3. They're nice people. (are = 're)
  4. They're not shy. (are not = 're not)
  5. They aren't shy. (are not = aren't)
Point 8: Use are and are not with the pronoun we.
  1. My friend and I are here.
  2. We are not late.
  3. We're good friends. (are = 're)
  4. We're not busy. (are not = 're not)
  5. We aren't busy. (are not = aren't)
Point 9: In question sentences, the be verb changes to match the subject.
  1. What is your favorite food?
  2. When is the meeting?
  3. Who are your teachers?
  4. Where are the bathrooms?
  5. Why is it cold in here?
  6. How are you?
  7. How is school?
  8. How are your classes?
  9. Why am I here?
  10. Why is she late?
  11. Why isn't she here?
  12. Why aren't you mad?
Point 10: In yes/no questions, the be verb matches the subject.
  1. Am I late?
  2. Is she here?
  3. Are my keys on the table?
  4. Are you from around here?
  5. Is your dad a doctor?
  6. Is English easy for you?

More Lessons


Be Verbs - Grammar Tutorial Video for A1 English Learners
A1-01 Be Verbs - Present Simple
That is my dad. He is a doctor.

Yes No Questions for Be Verbs - Grammar Tutorial Video
A1-02 Yes / No Questions - Be Verbs
Is the air-con on? Are you hot?

Talking about LIkes - Grammar Tutorial Video for A1 English Learners
A1-03 Likes and Dislikes
So what foods do you like?

Basic Verbs Present Simple - Grammar Tutorial Video for A1 English Learners
A1-04 Verbs - Present Simple
When do you get up?

Yes No Questions for Verbs - Grammar Tutorial Video
A1-05 Yes / No Questions with Verbs
Do you have any pets?

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