The Verb “To Be” Explained, With Examples

xavielax32 — 2024-12-03 13:37:51 UTC

The irregular verb to be is the most complicated of all the English verbs—and it just so happens to be the most used, too. The to be verbs are am, are, is, was, and were, along with the bare infinitive be, the present participle being, and the past participle been.

In this guide, we explain all you need to know about grammar for the verb to be. We’ll share all the forms and when to use them and give to be examples for each type of usage.

What are the to be verbs?

Here’s a quick list of the to be verbs and their functions:

To be verbs:Function:bebare infinitiveam, is, arepresent tensewas, werepast tensebeenpast participlebeingpresent participle, gerund.

SingularPlural

First person(I) am - (we) are

Second person(you) are -(you) are

Third person(he/she/it) is-(they) are

Example of verb to be

i am a doctor

she is a teacher

we are friends

they are artist

Complete the next sentence with the verb to be

xavielax32 — 2024-12-03 13:45:45 UTC

I _______(be) happy.

You ______(be) sad.

He ________(be) a policeman.

It_________(be) cold.

she________(be)nurse

they________(be) students

we_________(be) interesting

Basic English by Xavier Santos

The Verb “To Be” Explained, With Examples

Complete the next sentence with the verb to be