Present Simple: Verb 'to be' (am, is, are)

In English, every sentence needs a verb. Most verbs describe an action like run or eat. The verb to be is different. It acts like a bridge. It links the person or thing to a quality. For example, in the sentence I am happy, the word am connects I to the feeling of happy. It tells us the status of the subject. It is like a grammar traffic light. It tells the listener that a description is coming next. This verb is special because it changes based on who is talking. Most English verbs only change a little bit. The verb to be changes completely. It is a bit of a rebel, but a very helpful one. Even native speakers had to learn this once. You are in good company.

1. 1To use this grammar, you must match the subject with the correct form. Here is the simple step-by-step guide to forming these sentences:
2. 2Pick your subject (the person or thing you are talking about).
3. 3Choose the correct form of to be (am, is, or are).
4. 4Add your description, name, or location.
5. 5Here is how they pair up:
6. 6I always goes with am. (Example: I am a student.)
7. 7He, She, and It always go with is. (Example: She is kind.)
8. 8You, We, and They always go with are. (Example: They are here.)
9. 9We also love to shorten these words in conversation. These are called contractions.
10. 10I am becomes I'm.
11. 11You are becomes You're.
12. 12He is becomes He's.
13. 13She is becomes She's.
14. 14It is becomes It's.
15. 15We are becomes We're.
16. 16They are becomes They're.
17. 17Using contractions makes you sound more natural. It is like the difference between wearing a tuxedo and a comfortable t-shirt. Both are correct, but the t-shirt is more common for daily life.

You will use to be in many real-world scenarios. Here are the most common times you need it:

• Names and Identity: Use it to introduce yourself. I am Sarah. He is my brother.
• Feelings and Emotions: Use it to share your mood. I am tired. They are excited.
• Professions: Use it when talking about jobs. She is a doctor. We are engineers.
• Locations: Use it to say where things are. The keys are on the table. I am at home.
• Descriptions: Use it for colors, sizes, and traits. The sky is blue. You are very tall.
• Age: In English, we use to be for age. I am twenty years old. (Do not use 'have' here!)
• Weather: Use it to describe the day. It is rainy today.

Imagine you are at a job interview. You might say, I am a hard worker. Or imagine you are ordering food. You might say, I am ready to order. It is everywhere!

This is a common trap for new learners. Do not use am, is, or are with other action verbs in the Present Simple.

• Wrong: I am eat pizza.
• Right: I eat pizza.

You only use to be with an action verb if you are using the Present Continuous (like I am eating), but that is a different lesson. For now, remember: if there is an action like run, sleep, or work, you usually do not need am, is, or are right next to it. Also, do not use it when you are using the verb have for possession. You don't say I am a car unless you are a transformer. You say I have a car.

Even the best students make these mistakes. Let's look at them so you can avoid them:

• The Missing Verb: Sometimes people forget the verb entirely. They say She happy. Remember, every sentence needs a verb. It should be She is happy.
• Subject Mismatch: Using the wrong form for the person. You is my friend sounds very strange. It must be You are my friend.
• Age Confusion: Many languages use the verb 'to have' for age. In English, we use to be. Never say I have 25 years. Always say I am 25.
• Double Verbs: Adding is where it doesn't belong. He is works at the bank is incorrect. Just say He works at the bank.

Think of these mistakes like a small speed bump. They might slow you down, but they won't stop you from being understood. Just keep practicing!

How is to be different from other verbs? Most verbs in English only have two forms in the present simple. For example, the verb play is either play or plays. But to be has three: am, is, and are.

Another big difference is how we make questions. For most verbs, we need a helper word like do or does. For example: Do you play soccer? But to be is strong. It doesn't need help. It just moves to the front of the sentence.

• Statement: You are late.
• Question: Are you late?

It is like a dance. The subject and the verb just swap places. No extra words needed. This makes to be one of the most flexible and powerful verbs in your vocabulary.