To be: use the correct form

Key Notes:

1. Understanding the Verb “To Be”:

  • The verb “to be” shows existence or identity and changes form based on the subject and tense.

2. Present Tense Forms:

  • I am: Used with the subject “I.”
    • Example: “I am a student.”
  • He is: Used with singular male subjects (he).
    • Example: “He is my brother.”
  • She is: Used with singular female subjects (she).
    • Example: “She is my friend.”
  • It is: Used with singular non-human subjects (it).
    • Example: “It is a dog.”
  • We are: Used with plural subjects (we).
    • Example: “We are happy.”
  • They are: Used with plural subjects (they).
    • Example: “They are playing outside.”

3. Past Tense Forms:

  • I was: Used with “I.”
    • Example: “I was at the park.”
  • He was: Used with singular male subjects (he).
    • Example: “He was tired.”
  • She was: Used with singular female subjects (she).
    • Example: “She was excited.”
  • It was: Used with singular non-human subjects (it).
    • Example: “It was a rainy day.”
  • We were: Used with plural subjects (we).
    • Example: “We were friends.”
  • They were: Used with plural subjects (they).
    • Example: “They were at the zoo.”

4. How to Choose the Correct Form:

  • Identify the subject of the sentence.
  • Determine whether the sentence is in the present or past tense.
  • Use the appropriate form based on the subject and tense.

5. Practice:

  • Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “to be”:
    • “I _ (am/was) happy today.”
    • “He _ (is/was) my teacher last year.”
    • “They _ (are/were) at the concert.”

Let’s practice!🖊️