Verbs

The verb be shows state of being.

Not all verbs are action words. Some verbs show state of being and are expressed by the forms of the verb be.

The verb be has the following forms:

  • is
  • are
  • were
  • was
  • am

There are still other forms of the verb be, which you will study in the higher levels.

Study this table that shows the different forms of the verb be and how they are used.

Person Form of Be Number Tense Example
First am Singular Present I am the eldest child.
are Plural We are glad to meet you.
was Singular Past I was at the party.
were Plural We were late.

Study this table that shows the different forms of the verb be and how they are used.

Person Form of Be Number Tense Example
Second are Singular and Plural Present You are reliable.
were Past You were in the house last night.

Study this table that shows the different forms of the verb be and how they are used.

Person Form of Be Number Tense Example
Third is Singular Present It is too costly.
are Plural They are from our school.
was Singular Past She was absent yesterday.
were Plural They were the sponsors of the event.