Forms of To Be: Present Tense Usage

Forms of to be

Present Tense Usage

• The verb "to be" has three present tense forms:
  • Am: Used with the first person singular (I).
    • Example: I am happy.
  • Is: Used with the third person singular (he, she, it).
    • Example: She is a teacher.
  • Are: Used with the second person singular and plural (you, we, they).
    • Example: They are friends.

Negative Forms

• To form negatives in the present tense, add "not" after the verb:
  • Am not: I am not tired.
  • Is not or isn't: He is not (isn't) here.
  • Are not or aren't: We are not (aren't) going.
• Contractions are commonly used (isn't, aren't).

Interrogative Forms

• Questions are formed by inversion of the subject and the verb:
  • Am I: Am I late?
  • Is he: Is he at home?
  • Are you: Are you ready?
  • Are they: Are they coming?
• Yes/No questions require the subject and verb to switch places.

Present Tense Forms of "To Be"

• "To be" has three present tense forms: "am," "is," and "are."
• "Am" is used with the first person singular ("I").
• "Is" is used with the third person singular ("he," "she," "it").
• "Are" is used with the second person singular and plural ("you"), and the first and third person plural ("we," "they").

Negative Forms

• To make negative forms in the present tense, add "not" after the verb "to be."
• Contractions are commonly used for "is not" (isn't) and "are not" (aren't).

Interrogative Forms

• Questions are formed by inverting the subject and the verb "to be."
• Yes/No questions require the subject and verb to switch places.

This quiz covers the various forms of the verb 'to be' in the present tense, including usage in positive, negative, and interrogative sentences. Test your knowledge on how to properly use 'am', 'is', and 'are', as well as their negative and question forms. Perfect for learners looking to master basic English verb forms.