Grammar Basics: Unit 1 – The Verb “Be”

The verb “be” is used to describe a quality or state of existence for a noun. Its form depends on “person” and count. (Contracted forms are in parentheses):

1st person singular:
Positive - I am (I’m)
Negative - I am not (I’m not)

2nd person singular:
Positive - You are (You’re)
Negative - You are not (You’re not / You aren’t)

3rd person singular:
Positive - He / She / It is (He’s, etc.)
Negative - He / She / It is not (He’s not / He isn’t, etc.)

1st person plural:
Positive - We are (We’re)
Negative - We are not (We’re not)

2nd person plural:
Positive - You are (You’re)
Negative - You are not (You’re not / You aren’t)

3rd person plural:
Positive - They are (They’re)
Negative - They are not (They’re not / They aren’t)

Examples:

I’m worried. The baby is sick.
If you’re cold, put on a sweater.
He is a doctor.
We are the number one manufacturer of erasers in the world.
They’re tired and hungry.

I’m not sure if we have enough food.
You aren’t bored, are you?
She’s not a very patient person.
We’re not late for dinner, are we?
They’re not members of the orchestra.

Note –
For tag questions, “I am not” has an irregular contraction:
I’m a clever student, aren’t I? (not amn’t I?)

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For the following exercise, write complete sentences. Use the appropriate form of “be.”

Example:

(keys bag my in not) – My keys are not in my bag.

Solutions tomorrow.

1. (old show that TV)
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2. (a lawyer Miss Smith)
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3. (cats hungry the)
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4. (door I I locked positive the)
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5. (eight it leave must now o’clock we)
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6. (biggest country in of running seller shoes the the they)
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7. (appointment early for you your)
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8. (not open playground the today)
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9. (I no not thank thirsty you)
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10. (Americans not they)
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11. (this team John the not on year)
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12. (enough not quiet you)
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13. (afraid not of we you)
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14. (busy not now right she)
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15. (Christmas for it late not order place to too your)
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