When do we use the verb TO BE in English?

When do we use the verb TO BE in English?

Asked by @ Kârim Zaik (Community Student)

What are modal verbs

Answered by @ Elo Kasia

Elo Kasia is the English Mentor for  ” English Grammar and Speaking Academy” ,  Join now.

When do we use the verb TO BE in English?

Using ‘ TO BE ‘ as the main verb in a sentence – Basic English Grammar Lesson

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TO BE with expressions of obligation, request and command

Question Time: When do we use the verb TO BE in English?

  @ Kârim Zaik , Thank you for your question.

  As usual, I will try to explain the difference using simple language and plenty of examples.

When do we use the verb TO BE in English? What are the forms of TO BE in the present?

The verb TO BE is the most often used verb in English so it is very important to know the correct forms.

We use TO BE most commonly:

1. To describe states and things which are true in the present or were true in the past
2. As a helping verb in continuous tenses
3. In passive voice
4. In other, special or idiomatic expressions

TO BE in the present tense:

Use for things which are generally true: your name, nationality, your location, your job, your marital status, your family’s names and occupations, your interests.

Positive: Is/are/am —Negative: Isn’t/aren’t/ am not — Questions: Are you? Is he/she/ it/ am I?

• I: I am a teacher. I’m not a student.
• You: You aren’t an instructor. You are an assistant.
• He: Ronaldo is a footballer. Is he famous? Yes, he is.
• It: The weather in England isn’t very cold in winter. It is usually mild.
• We: We are Swiss. We aren’t German. Are we late?
• You (plural): Are you two married? No we aren’t.
• They: Are they your friends? No, they aren’t. They are our neighbours.

To practise TO BE talk about yourself, your family, your house, your job etc.

• My name is …, I’m from … (country), I’m … (nationality), I’m a … (job), I’m … years old, … I’m … (marital status), etc. My brother is … (age), My parents are … (occupation)
• My name is Linda. I’m from Mexico. I’m Mexican. I’m a student. I’m 20 years old. I’m single. My brother is 16. My parents are doctors.

Ask your friends these common questions with TO be in the present:

• Where are you from?
• What nationality are you?
• How old are you?
• What is your job?
• Are you married/single?
• What is your telephone number?
• What is your address?
• What is your favourite colour/ day of the week?
• What are your interests/ hobbies?

It is essential that you know how to use TO BE for as you are going to need it very often. This week we are going to study different uses of TO BE in different tenses so make sure you follow our TT exercises.

Check my other articles here: All English Time Ask Elo – Learning Articles

Elo Kasia

Community Mentor for ” English Grammar and Speaking Academy“.

Director at Eloquent Learning Online, educational institution based in the UK. www.eloquentlearning.com.

When do we use the verb TO BE in English?