Grammar Boost: The Verb ‘To Be’ (Present Simple)

The verb ‘To Be‘ is the most essential verb in English. We use it to talk about identity, age, origin, descriptions, and feelings. This section gives you a complete overview of its three forms: am, is, and are.

1. Section Goals

  • Know the three forms of the verb ‘to be‘: am, is, are.
  • Form simple affirmative (positive) sentences.
  • Form simple negative sentences.

2. ➕ Affirmative (Positive) Form

This form is used to state facts, identity, or origin.

Subject Verb ‘To Be’ Example Sentence
I am I am happy. / I am a student.
You are You are from China. / You are smart.
He/She/It is He is 30. / It is a pen.
We are We are friends. / We are students.
They are They are teachers. / They are late.

3. ➖ Negative Form

To make a sentence negative, simply add the word ‘not‘ after the correct form of the verb ‘to be’ (am, is, are).

Formula: Subject + Verb To Be + NOT + Complement

Subject Negative Form (Full) Example Sentence
I am not I am not tired.
You/We/They are not / aren’t You are not happy.
He/She/It is not / isn’t It is not red.

4. Activity: Choose the Correct Form

Choose am, is, or are to complete the sentences:

  1. My name _______ David.
  2. They _______ not friends.
  3. I _______ 21 years old.
  4. She _______ from Italy.
  5. We _______ happy.
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