The verb to be in the affirmative, negative, and interrogative forms

The verb to be shows a state, condition, or gives information about the subject. It is used as both a main verb and an auxiliary verb. In this lesson, we will learn the use of the verb to be in the affirmative, negative, and interrogative forms with example sentences.

Using the verb to be as a main verb:

 
Using the verb to be as an auxiliary verb:

An auxiliary verb (also called a helping verb) is a verb used together with a main verb to help form tenses, voices, questions, or negatives.

1. Forms of the verb to be

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1.1 Present simple

1.2. Past simple

1.3. Future simple

1.4. Present continuous

1.5. Past continuous

1.6 Present perfect

1.7 Past perfect

1.8 Future perfect

2. Use of the verb to be

The verb to be has many uses. It is used to say who someone is or what they do. It can also show where someone or something is. In addition, we use to be to talk about feelings or emotions. It helps describe what a person or thing is like. We also use to be when we talk about time and dates.

2.1 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?

2.2 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.

2.3 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.

2.4 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.

2.5 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.