The Verb 'To Be'
Learn am, is, and are — the most essential verb in English.
Am, is, are
The verb 'to be' changes form depending on the subject: I am, he/she/it is, you/we/they are.
- I am a student.
- She is a doctor.
- They are friends.
- It is cold today.
Negatives
Add 'not' after am/is/are to make a negative.
- I am not tired.
- He isn't happy.
- We aren't ready.
Questions
Move am/is/are before the subject to ask a question.
- Am I late?
- Is she your sister?
- Are they coming?
Contractions
In spoken and informal English, 'to be' is usually contracted.
- I'm hungry.
- You're right.
- He's busy.
- They're outside.
- isn't = is not
- aren't = are not
More examples in context
'To be' is used constantly to describe identity, feelings, and states.
- My name is Anna.
- We are from Canada.
- Is this seat taken?
- The children aren't at school today.
- I'm not sure about that.
- Are you okay?
Common mistakes to avoid
These are frequent 'to be' errors, and how to correct them.
- ✗ I is a teacher. → ✓ I am a teacher.
- ✗ She are my friend. → ✓ She is my friend.
- ✗ They is happy. → ✓ They are happy.
- ✗ He don't is here. → ✓ He isn't here.
Quick practice
Fill in each blank with am, is, or are, then check your answer.
- I ___ from Brazil. (answer: am)
- ___ he your brother? (answer: Is)
- We ___ not late. (answer: aren't)
- She ___ a nurse. (answer: is)
- ___ you ready? (answer: Are)