All forms of the verb TO BE and Its Usage
“Be” is one of the most important verbs in the English language and can be used in many different ways. In English we can use “to be” as an auxiliary verb or main verb. The verb “to be” is an irregular verb and it has 8 different forms: be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been.
Here’s a table showing the different forms of the verb “be” and their usage:
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| be (root/infinitive) | I want to be a doctor. |
| am (1st person sing. present) | I am a doctor. |
| is (3rd person sing. present) | She is a doctor. |
| are (2nd person sing. and all plurals present) | You are a doctor. |
| was (1st and 3rd person sing. past) | I was a doctor. |
| were (2nd person sing. and all plurals past) | You were a doctor. |
| been (past participle) | He has been a doctor for 10 years. |
| being (present participle and gerund) | Being a doctor is rewarding. |
Here’s a table showing the eight forms of the verb “be” in the present tense:
| Form | Example (Present Tense) |
|---|---|
| I am | I am a student. |
| You are | You are my friend. |
| He/She/It is | He is a doctor. |
| We are | We are friends. |
| You are | You are happy. |
| They are | They are teachers. |
Check Also:
Most Common English Verbs & Synonyms List (PDF)
1000 English Verbs Forms (v1,v2,v3,v4,v5)+PDF
Infinitive Verbs List & Examples
Modal Verbs List & Examples (PDF)
Common Usages with Examples
Here are a few of the most common uses of “be” in English:
-To indicate existence or presence:
Example: There is a book on the table.
-To indicate identity:
Example: I am a student.
-To indicate location:
Example: She is at home.
-To indicate temporary states or conditions:
Example: The weather is nice today.
-To indicate a permanent state or characteristic:
Example: He is tall.
-To form the passive voice:
Example: The book was written by Tolstoy.
-To indicate a scheduled or planned action in the future:
Example: The train is leaving at 10am.
To Be Verb Exercises Worksheet PDF
To Be Verb Exercises PDF – download
