To be: use the correct form

key notes :

1. What is the Verb “To Be”?

  • The verb “to be” is one of the most common and important verbs in English. It helps to describe people, places, things, and situations.
  • The forms of the verb “to be” change depending on the subject and the tense (present or past).

2. Present Tense Forms of “To Be”:

  • In the present tense, “to be” changes to am, is, or are depending on the subject of the sentence.
SubjectCorrect Form of “To Be” (Present Tense)
Iam
He/She/Itis
You/We/Theyare

3. How to Use “To Be” in Present Tense Sentences:

  • Use am with the subject “I”:
  • Example: I am happy.
  • Use is with singular subjects like “he,” “she,” or “it”:
  • Example: She is my friend.
  • Use are with plural subjects and “you,” “we,” or “they”:
  • Example: They are playing soccer.

4. Past Tense Forms of “To Be”:

  • In the past tense, “to be” changes to was or were.
SubjectCorrect Form of “To Be” (Past Tense)
I/He/She/Itwas
You/We/Theywere

5. How to Use “To Be” in Past Tense Sentences:

  • Use was with singular subjects like “I,” “he,” “she,” or “it”:
  • Example: I was at the park yesterday.
  • Use were with plural subjects and “you,” “we,” or “they”:
  • Example: They were excited for the trip.

6. Key Points to Remember:

  • The verb “to be” changes depending on the subject of the sentence and the tense (present or past).
  • In the present tense:
  • Use am with “I.”
  • Use is with singular subjects like “he,” “she,” or “it.”
  • Use are with plural subjects like “you,” “we,” or “they.”
  • In the past tense:
  • Use was with singular subjects like “I,” “he,” “she,” or “it.”
  • Use were with plural subjects like “you,” “we,” or “they.”

7. Examples:

Present Tense:

  • I am a student.
  • She is very kind.
  • They are going to the zoo.

Past Tense:

  • He was tired after school.
  • We were at the beach last weekend.

8. Summary:

  • The verb “to be” helps describe who or what someone or something is and changes based on the subject.
  • Knowing when to use am, is, are, was, and were will help you make your sentences clear and correct.

Let’s practice!🖊️