The auxiliary verb to be in English

Most English grammar lessons begin by studying the verb to be. It is one of the most important verbs in English. It describes a state or condition or provides information about the subject. Note that the verb to be can be used as a main verb and as an auxiliary verb.

Using the verb to be as a main verb:

 
Using the verb to be as an auxiliary verb:

1. The verb to be in the present simple tense

2. Use of the verb to be

Describing identity or occupation

1. He is an engineer.
2. She is a student.
3. They are firefighters.
4. We are musicians.
5. He is a chef.
6. I am a pilot.
7. She is a lawyer.
8. He is a police officer.
9. They are athletes.
10. Are you a graphic designer?

Indicating location

1. The computer is on the table.
2. The cat is under the bed.
3. The park is near our house.
4. The keys are in the drawer.
5. She is in the kitchen.
6. The shoes are by the door.
7. They are at the cinema.
8. The phone is on the desk.
9. The children are in the playground.
10. He is in the office.
11. The library is across the street.

Describing feelings or emotions

1. I am bored.
2. She is angry.
3. She is excited about the trip.
4. They are sad because of the news.
5. I am nervous about the presentation.
6. He is surprised by the gift.
7. She is disappointed with the results.
8. They are proud of their achievements.
9. I am scared of the dark.
10. He is afraid of snakes.

Describing characteristics

1. The house is big and spacious.
2. The dog is friendly.
3. The cake is delicious.
4. He is tall.
5. She is kind and generous.
6. The weather is cold and windy.
7. He is intelligent and ambitious.
8. The flowers are colourful.
9. The lake is calm and peaceful.
10. The dress is elegant and stylish.
11. This book is very informative.

Talking about time and dates

1. What time is it?
2. It’s noon.
3. Tomorrow is Tuesday.
4. It is 7 o’clock in the morning.
5. The meeting is on Wednesday.
6. Her birthday is on October 21st.
7. It is 1:45 p.m.
8. The concert is on Friday night.
9. The deadline is September 15th.
10. It is 12:30 in the afternoon.
11. Today is the first day of summer.
12. The party is on Saturday evening.
13. The appointment is at 10 a.m. sharp.
14. Today is the 5th of May.
15. It is 6:15 in the evening.

3. Common English expressions using the verb to be

Many English expressions use the verb to be. For example, when someone says they are on cloud nine, they are extremely happy. The phrase to be under the weather doesn’t mean someone is literally under any weather; it just means they’re feeling sick. Similarly, to be in someone’s shoes doesn’t talk about actual shoes; it’s about understanding someone’s situation or feelings. The saying to be in the same boat is used when two or more people are in the same difficult situation. Familiarise yourself with the expressions below to help improve your English and speak like a native speaker.