Grammar: The Verb To Be (am, is, are) – English – 2nd Year Middle School – Algeria

The Verb “To Be” (am, is, are)

The verb “to be” is the most important verb in English. It is used to describe, identify, and state facts.

Present Forms

• I am: “I am a student.” / “I am happy.”
• He/She/It is: “He is a doctor.” / “She is kind.” / “It is big.”
• We/You/They are: “We are friends.” / “You are smart.” / “They are teachers.”

Negative Forms

• I am not (I’m not)
• He/She/It is not (isn’t)
• We/You/They are not (aren’t)

Question Forms

• Am I…? “Am I late?”
• Is he/she/it…? “Is she your sister?”
• Are we/you/they…? “Are you ready?”

Uses of To Be

• Description: “She is tall.”
• Identity: “He is Mr. Smith.”
• Location: “The book is on the table.”
• Age: “I am 12 years old.”
• Feeling: “We are happy.”

Exercises

1. Complete with am/is/are: “I ___ a student – She ___ my friend – They ___ in the classroom”.
2. Make negative: “He is tall – We are ready – I am late”.
3. Make questions: “You are a teacher – She is from Algeria”.

See also Grammar: The Simple Present Tense and Grammar: Personal Pronouns.