Among English verbs, the irregular verb \u2018to be\u2019 is considered the most difficult and, ironically, the most frequently used. You use it every day to describe people and their qualities, describe objects, or state places. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite being the most used verb, it may confuse English learners due to the variety of its forms. These forms differ in accordance with the subject and tense used. The most common forms are am, is, are, was, and were.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This article covers all aspects of the usage of the verb, including the description of forms, functions, and the conjugation of the verb \u2018to be\u2019. You will also learn how to use the verb as a linking and auxiliary verb and how to make contractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is known as an irregular verb because, unlike most verbs that simply add \u2018-s\u2019 or \u2018-ed\u2019 for example, walk, walks, walked, \u2018to be\u2019 transforms into entirely different words depending on the subject and tense. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be is an irregular verb that is used to describe a state, identity, quality, condition, or location. Unlike other regular verbs, this verb changes considerably based on the subject and the time of the action. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I am<\/em> a learner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She is<\/em> sad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are<\/em> watching a movie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He was<\/em> exhausted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In each sentence, the different verb forms am, is, are, was, and were all belong to the same verb, to be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The verb is usually used in order to relate the subject of a sentence with some information related to it. For instance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maya is<\/em> creative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the sentence above, \u2018is\u2019 relates the subject, Maya, to the word creative, which gives some information about her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The verb to be can also assist in making different forms of verbs and sentences. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are<\/em> studying for the exam. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this sentence, \u2018are\u2019 is used with the main verb, studying, in order to denote something currently taking place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Due to its different forms and functions, understanding the \u2018verb to be\u2019 is an essential step in understanding English grammar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the present tense, there are three major forms of the verb \u2018to be\u2019, and these are am, is and are. The choice of form will depend on the subject. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The general \u2018am, is, are\u2019 rules are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Am goes with I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is goes with he, she, it, and singular nouns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Are goes with you, we, and they. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is the present tense form of \u2018to be\u2019:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can use the verb \u2018am\u2019 only with the pronoun \u2018I\u2019. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example: Avoid using \u2018is\u2019 or \u2018are\u2019 with \u2018I\u2019 in standard present-tense statements because it is a common mistake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Incorrect: I is sad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Incorrect: I are happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Correct: I am happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can use \u2018is\u2019 with singular subjects, like he, she, it, and singular nouns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n He is at the theater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She is doing great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is a sunny day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My cat is sleeping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can use \u2018are\u2019 with you, we, they, and other plural nouns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Understanding these basic \u2018am, is and are\u2019 patterns will help you make the correct present-tense sentences without any mistakes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When writing a sentence in the past tense, the verb to be can also be changed to was or were to signify the different types of subjects and their states at that point in time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The general rules for using was and were are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n List of the past-tense conjugation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can use was with the pronoun \u2018I\u2019 and other singular subjects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can use were with you, we, they, and other plural nouns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Note that \u201cI\u201d takes was in the past, even though it takes am in the present. This is one of the little inconsistencies that make us wish we were using a more logical language. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Every verb in a sentence can fulfill one of two primary roles, including the linking verb role. A linking verb does not express an action; rather, it establishes a link between the subject of a sentence and some additional information describing this subject, such as some quality, occupation, feeling, or even identity.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n So you can view it as an equal sign that connects the subject of a sentence with its description:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Identity:<\/strong> She is a chef. I am interested in the auction today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location:<\/strong> We were at the airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In all the examples given above, to be does not express any action, but only links the subject to some description. In fact, this is probably the first use of to be you have ever learned, and it is still one of the most frequent uses of to be in everyday English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As an auxiliary verb, we generally use \u2018to be\u2019 with a verb in -ing form to create continuous tenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example: <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the sentence mentioned above, \u2018she is singing\u2019, \u2018is\u2019 is the auxiliary verb while \u2018singing\u2019 is the main verb. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The form of to be indicates the time and corresponds to the subject:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Present Continuous:<\/strong> I am reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Present Continuous:<\/strong> They are singing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Past Continuous:<\/strong> She was sleeping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Past Continuous:<\/strong> We were watching a movie. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the Passive Voice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, we use the verb \u201cto be\u201d to create the passive voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n My sister cooked the dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here, \u2018was\u2019 works with \u2018cooked\u2019 to show that the action happened. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A few other examples: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you understand how \u201cto be\u201d works as an auxiliary verb, you can identify the structure of English sentences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People commonly use contractions of the verb \u201cto be\u201d in everyday speech and informal writing. This makes the discourse sound more natural.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The common contractions of the present tense of the verb are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example: <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also contract negative forms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is not \u2192 isn\u2019t<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are not \u2192 aren\u2019t<\/p>\n\n\n\n Was not \u2192 wasn\u2019t<\/p>\n\n\n\n Were not \u2192 weren\u2019t<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Contractions are frequent in informal communication. Nevertheless, you may need to use full forms in very formal texts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The verb to be becomes easy to use when you understand the pattern, but many learners often make mistakes when linking the verb with the subject,<\/p>\n\n\n\n We have listed a few common mistakes you need to avoid:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember to always check whether the subject is singular or plural before selecting the form of the verb to be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Take note of the basic was\/were rules: singular subjects use was, and plural subjects use were.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While creating the continuous tenses, you always need a form of to be together with an \u2013ing verb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When the subject is plural. Use \u2018are\u2019 in the present tense and \u2018were\u2019 in the past tense. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Bookmark this chart below for quick reference regarding the verb to be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The other core forms of the verb to be that appear outside the simple present and past tense:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the verb \u201cto be\u201d is a short one, it is very important in English. We use it to describe a person\u2019s characteristics, feelings, location, and past actions. Moreover, we use it to form some tenses and the passive voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First of all, learn the general rules concerning the forms \u201cam,\u201d \u201cis,\u201d \u201care,\u201d and \u201cwas,\u201d \u201cwere.\u201d Practice using them in simple sentences. Gradually, the choice of the right form will become a routine thing for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The point here is to determine the subject and tense to choose the proper form. With practice, it will become clear to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is the verb \u2018to be\u2019?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To be\u2019 is one of the most important verbs in English. We use it to describe a state, identity, or condition. It changes form according to the subject and tense, such as am, is, are, was, and were.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How do you conjugate \u2018to be\u2019 in the present tense?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Use am with I, is with he, she, and it, and are with you, we, and they. For example, I am ready, she is ready, and they are ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is the difference between \u2018was\u2019 and \u2018were\u2019?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Use was with I, he, she, and it in the past tense. Use were with you, we, and they. For example, he felt tired, and they felt tired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How is \u201cto be\u201d used as an auxiliary verb?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You use it with another verb to form continuous tenses and the passive voice. For example, they are reading and the team wrote it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What are common mistakes when using “to be”?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Some common errors involve incorrect subject-verb agreement, such as using \u2018they is\u2019 instead of \u2018they are’, and was\/were misuse with wrong subjects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Among English verbs, the irregular verb \u2018to be\u2019 is considered the most difficult and, ironically, the most frequently used. You use it every day to describe people and their qualities, describe objects, or state places. Despite being the most used verb, it may confuse English learners due to the variety of its forms. These forms differ in accordance with the subject and tense used. The most common forms are am, is, are, was, and were. This article covers all aspects of the usage of the verb, including the description of forms, functions, and the conjugation of the verb \u2018to be\u2019. You will also learn how to use the verb as a linking and auxiliary verb and how to make contractions. What Is the Verb ‘To Be’? It is known as an irregular verb because, unlike most verbs that simply add \u2018-s\u2019 or \u2018-ed\u2019 for example, walk, walks, walked, \u2018to be\u2019 transforms into entirely different words depending on the subject and tense. To be is an irregular verb that is used to describe a state, identity, quality, condition, or location. Unlike other regular verbs, this verb changes considerably based on the subject and the time of the action. For example: I am a learner. She is sad. They are watching a movie. He was exhausted. In each sentence, the different verb forms am, is, are, was, and were all belong to the same verb, to be. The verb is usually used in order to relate the subject of a sentence with some information related to it. For instance: Maya is creative. In the sentence above, \u2018is\u2019 relates the subject, Maya, to the word creative, which gives some information about her. The verb to be can also assist in making different forms of verbs and sentences. For example: They are studying for the exam. In this sentence, \u2018are\u2019 is used with the main verb, studying, in order to denote something currently taking place. Due to its different forms and functions, understanding the \u2018verb to be\u2019 is an essential step in understanding English grammar. Conjugating ‘To Be’ in the Present Tense: Am, Is, Are In the present tense, there are three major forms of the verb \u2018to be\u2019, and these are am, is and are. The choice of form will depend on the subject. The general \u2018am, is, are\u2019 rules are: Am goes with I. Is goes with he, she, it, and singular nouns. Are goes with you, we, and they. Here is the present tense form of \u2018to be\u2019: Subject Form of \u201cTo Be\u201d Example I am I am happy. You are You are beautiful. He is He is early. She is She is tired. It is It is raining today. We are We are happy. They are They are playing outside. Using \u2018Am’ : You can use the verb \u2018am\u2019 only with the pronoun \u2018I\u2019. For example: I feel hungry.Originally, I am from California.At the moment, I am interested in the dance competition.These days, I am learning English. Avoid using \u2018is\u2019 or \u2018are\u2019 with \u2018I\u2019 in standard present-tense statements because it is a common mistake. For example: Incorrect: I is sad. Incorrect: I are happy. Correct: I am happy. Using \u2018Is\u2019: You can use \u2018is\u2019 with singular subjects, like he, she, it, and singular nouns. For example: He is at the theater. She is doing great. It is a sunny day. My cat is sleeping. Using \u2018Are\u2019: You can use \u2018are\u2019 with you, we, they, and other plural nouns. For example: Understanding these basic \u2018am, is and are\u2019 patterns will help you make the correct present-tense sentences without any mistakes. Conjugating ‘To Be’ in the Past Tense: Was, Were When writing a sentence in the past tense, the verb to be can also be changed to was or were to signify the different types of subjects and their states at that point in time. The general rules for using was and were are: List of the past-tense conjugation: Subject Form of \u201cTo Be\u201d Example I was I was tired. You were You were early. He was He was singing. She was She was at the cinema. It was It was raining. We were We were playing games. They were They were busy. Using \u2018Was\u2019 You can use was with the pronoun \u2018I\u2019 and other singular subjects. For example: Using \u2018Were\u2019 You can use were with you, we, they, and other plural nouns. For example: Note that \u201cI\u201d takes was in the past, even though it takes am in the present. This is one of the little inconsistencies that make us wish we were using a more logical language. ‘To Be’ as a Linking Verb Every verb in a sentence can fulfill one of two primary roles, including the linking verb role. A linking verb does not express an action; rather, it establishes a link between the subject of a sentence and some additional information describing this subject, such as some quality, occupation, feeling, or even identity.\u00a0 So you can view it as an equal sign that connects the subject of a sentence with its description: Identity: She is a chef. A quality or condition: I feel interested in the auction today. I am interested in the auction today. Location: We were at the airport. In all the examples given above, to be does not express any action, but only links the subject to some description. In fact, this is probably the first use of to be you have ever learned, and it is still one of the most frequent uses of to be in everyday English. ‘To Be’ as an Auxiliary Verb As an auxiliary verb, we generally use \u2018to be\u2019 with a verb in -ing form to create continuous tenses. For example: In the sentence mentioned above, \u2018she is singing\u2019, \u2018is\u2019 is the auxiliary verb while \u2018singing\u2019 is the main verb. The form of to be indicates the time and corresponds to the subject: Present Continuous: I am reading. Present Continuous: They are singing. Past Continuous: She was sleeping. Past Continuous: We were watching a movie. In the Passive Voice Additionally, we use the verb \u201cto be\u201d to create the passive voice. For example: My sister cooked the dinner. Here, \u2018was\u2019 works with \u2018cooked\u2019 to show that the action happened. A few other examples: Once you understand how \u201cto be\u201d works as an auxiliary verb, you can identify the structure of English sentences. Common Contractions With ‘To Be’ People commonly use contractions of the verb \u201cto be\u201d in everyday speech and informal writing. This makes the discourse sound more natural. The common contractions of the present tense of the verb are: Full Form Contraction I am I\u2019m You are You\u2019re He is He\u2019s She is She\u2019s It is It\u2019s We are We\u2019re They are They\u2019re For example: You can also contract negative forms: Is not \u2192 isn\u2019t Are not \u2192 aren\u2019t Was not \u2192 wasn\u2019t Were not \u2192 weren\u2019t For example: Contractions are frequent in informal communication. Nevertheless, you may need to use full forms in very formal texts. Common Mistakes to Avoid The verb to be becomes easy to use when you understand the pattern, but many learners often make mistakes when linking the verb with the subject, We have listed a few common mistakes you need to avoid: For example: Incorrect Correct They is ready. They are ready. She are not well. She is not well. I is tired. I am tired. Remember to always check whether the subject is singular or plural before selecting the form of the verb to be. Incorrect Correct We was late. We were late. He were tired. He was tired. Take note of the basic was\/were rules: singular subjects use was, and plural subjects use were. Incorrect Correct She cooking dinner. She is cooking dinner. They watching movie. They are watching a movie. While creating the continuous tenses, you always need a form of to be together with an \u2013ing verb. When the subject is plural. Use \u2018are\u2019 in the present tense and \u2018were\u2019 in the past tense. For example: Quick Reference: A Conjugation Chart for ‘To Be’ Bookmark this chart below for quick reference regarding the verb to be: Subject Present Tense Past Tense I Am Was You Are Were He\/ She\/ It Is Was We Are Were They Are Were The other core forms of the verb to be that appear outside the simple present and past tense: Form Used For Example Be Base form, used after \u201cto\u201d, modals, and in commands I want to be a writer. Being Continuous form She is being very cheerful today. Been Past participle, used with have\/has\/had We have been here before. Conclusion Although the verb \u201cto be\u201d is a short one, it is very important in English. We use it to describe a person\u2019s characteristics, feelings, location, and past actions. Moreover, we use it to form some tenses and the passive voice. First of all, learn the general rules concerning the forms \u201cam,\u201d \u201cis,\u201d \u201care,\u201d and \u201cwas,\u201d \u201cwere.\u201d Practice using them in simple sentences. Gradually, the choice of the right form will become a routine thing for you. The point here is to determine the subject and tense to choose the proper form. With practice, it will become clear to you. Frequently Asked Questions About ‘To Be’ What is the verb \u2018to be\u2019? To be\u2019 is one of the most important verbs in English. We use it to describe a state, identity, or condition. It changes form according to the subject and tense, such as am, is, are, was, and were. How do you conjugate \u2018to be\u2019 in the present tense? Use am with I, is with he, she, and it, and are with you, we, and they. For example, I am ready, she is ready, and they are ready. What is the difference between \u2018was\u2019 and \u2018were\u2019? Use was with I, he, she, and it in the past tense. Use were with you, we, and they. For example, he felt tired, and they felt tired. How is \u201cto be\u201d used as an auxiliary verb? You use it with another verb to form continuous tenses and the passive voice. For example, they are reading and the team wrote it. What are common mistakes when using “to be”? Some common errors involve incorrect subject-verb agreement, such as using \u2018they is\u2019 instead of \u2018they are’, and was\/were misuse with wrong subjects.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1327","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-ai-writing-tools"],"yoast_head":"\nConjugating ‘To Be’ in the Present Tense: Am, Is, Are<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Subject<\/strong><\/td> Form of \u201cTo Be\u201d<\/strong><\/td> Example<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> I<\/td> am<\/td> I am happy.<\/td><\/tr> You<\/td> are<\/td> You are beautiful.<\/td><\/tr> He<\/td> is<\/td> He is early.<\/td><\/tr> She<\/td> is<\/td> She is tired.<\/td><\/tr> It<\/td> is<\/td> It is raining today.<\/td><\/tr> We <\/td> are<\/td> We are happy.<\/td><\/tr> They<\/td> are<\/td> They are playing outside.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Using \u2018Am’ :<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
I feel hungry.
Originally, I am from California.
At the moment, I am interested in the dance competition.
These days, I am learning English.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUsing \u2018Is\u2019: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Using \u2018Are\u2019: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Conjugating ‘To Be’ in the Past Tense: Was, Were<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Subject<\/strong><\/td> Form of \u201cTo Be\u201d<\/strong><\/td> Example<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> I <\/td> was <\/td> I was tired.<\/td><\/tr> You <\/td> were<\/td> You were early.<\/td><\/tr> He<\/td> was <\/td> He was singing.<\/td><\/tr> She<\/td> was <\/td> She was at the cinema.<\/td><\/tr> It <\/td> was<\/td> It was raining.<\/td><\/tr> We<\/td> were<\/td> We were playing games.<\/td><\/tr> They<\/td> were<\/td> They were busy.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Using \u2018Was\u2019<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Using \u2018Were\u2019<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
‘To Be’ as a Linking Verb<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A quality or condition:<\/strong> I feel interested in the auction today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n‘To Be’ as an Auxiliary Verb<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
Common Contractions With ‘To Be’<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Full Form<\/strong><\/td> Contraction<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> I am <\/td> I\u2019m<\/td><\/tr> You are<\/td> You\u2019re<\/td><\/tr> He is<\/td> He\u2019s<\/td><\/tr> She is<\/td> She\u2019s<\/td><\/tr> It is<\/td> It\u2019s<\/td><\/tr> We are<\/td> We\u2019re<\/td><\/tr> They are<\/td> They\u2019re<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n
\n
Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Incorrect<\/strong><\/td> Correct<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> They is ready.<\/td> They are ready.<\/td><\/tr> She are not well.<\/td> She is not well.<\/td><\/tr> I is tired.<\/td> I am tired. <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n
Incorrect<\/strong><\/td> Correct<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> We was late.<\/td> We were late.<\/td><\/tr> He were tired.<\/td> He was tired.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n
Incorrect<\/strong><\/td> Correct<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> She cooking dinner.<\/td> She is cooking dinner.<\/td><\/tr> They watching movie.<\/td> They are watching a movie. <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n
\n
Quick Reference: A Conjugation Chart for ‘To Be’<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Subject<\/strong><\/td> Present Tense<\/strong><\/td> Past Tense<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> I <\/td> Am <\/td> Was <\/td><\/tr> You<\/td> Are <\/td> Were <\/td><\/tr> He\/ She\/ It<\/td> Is <\/td> Was <\/td><\/tr> We <\/td> Are <\/td> Were <\/td><\/tr> They <\/td> Are <\/td> Were <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Form <\/strong><\/td> Used For<\/strong><\/td> Example<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Be<\/td> Base form, used after \u201cto\u201d, modals, and in commands<\/td> I want to be a writer.<\/td><\/tr> Being<\/td> Continuous form<\/td> She is being very cheerful today.<\/td><\/tr> Been<\/td> Past participle, used with have\/has\/had <\/td> We have been here before. <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions About ‘To Be’<\/h2>\n\n\n\n