By Vahid Alaghehband
The present forms of to be are am (with I), is (with he, she, it) and are (with you, we, they). To make it negative, add not (I'm not); to ask a question, put the verb before the subject (Are you…?).
Present forms of the verb to be
Use am with I, is with he, she, it and singular nouns, and are with you, we, they and plural nouns. In speech, contractions are the norm: I'm, she's, they're.
| Subject | Positive | Negative | Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | am (I'm) | I'm not | Am I…? |
| he / she / it | is (she's) | she isn't | Is she…? |
| you / we / they | are (they're) | they aren't | Are they…? |
Age, hunger and cold: be, not have
English uses be where many languages use "have": I'm 20 years old, I'm hungry, I'm cold, You're right, I'm afraid.
30 sentences with the verb to be
| Positive | Negative | Question |
|---|---|---|
| I am a teacher. | I'm not tired. | Are you OK? |
| She is from Cuenca. | She isn't at home. | Is she your sister? |
| We are friends. | We aren't ready. | Where are you from? |
| It is cold today. | It isn't expensive. | Is it far? |
| They are at school. | They aren't my books. | Are they in class? |
| You are right. | You aren't late. | How old are you? |
| My brother is 15 years old. | He isn't afraid. | What is your name? |
| The test is on Friday. | The shop isn't open. | Is the bank open? |
| I'm hungry. | I'm not from Quito. | Am I late? |
| The keys are on the table. | The answers aren't correct. | Who is your teacher? |
Common mistakes
- I have 20 years ✗ → I'm 20 years old ✓.
- She is from Quito? ✗ → Is she from Quito? ✓.
- Do you are happy? ✗ → Are you happy? ✓.
- Is very cold ✗ → It's very cold ✓ (English sentences need a subject).
Exercises with answers
- My parents ___ teachers.
- I ___ (not) hungry.
- ___ she your cousin?
- It ___ very hot in Guayaquil.
- We ___ (not) at home now.
- How old ___ your brother?
Answers: 1. are · 2. 'm not (am not) · 3. Is · 4. is · 5. aren't · 6. is.
Practice the verb to be by speaking
With Vozi Grammar you practice grammar by level, with explanations, examples and conversation by voice or text, and you get corrections of your grammar mistakes at the end.
Explore Vozi Grammar →Read next: there is and there are and the present simple.
Next step: if you don't know your level, take the English level test (about 15 minutes, with instant results). To keep working on this topic, see Vozi Grammar's English grammar exercises by level.
Frequently asked questions
What are the forms of the verb to be?
In the present: am, is and are. In the past: was and were. The past participle is been.
When do you use am, is and are?
Am with I; is with he, she, it and singular nouns; are with you, we, they and plural nouns.
How do you make a question with to be?
Put am, is or are before the subject, without do: Are you ready? Is she your sister?
How do you say your age in English?
With be: I'm 15 years old, or just I'm 15. Not I have 15 years.
What is the past of to be?
Was with I, he, she and it, and were with you, we and they.
