BeginnerGrammar Structures
Learn Present Be Verb (am/is/are) in English
Use am, is, and are to describe people, places, and things.
- Learning goal
- Recognize and use this pattern in context.
- Practice
- 10 randomized questions with explanations.
- Suggested workflow
- Study the examples, then take the quiz.
Grammar Focus
The be verb (am, is, are) is the most fundamental verb in English. It connects a subject to information about identity, description, location, or state. Unlike action verbs, the be verb does not describe what someone does — it describes what someone or something is.
- Use am with the subject "I": "I am a student."
- Use is with singular subjects (he, she, it, or a singular noun): "She is happy."
- Use are with plural subjects and "you": "They are teachers."
- The be verb is used to give names, nationalities, ages, jobs, locations, and descriptions: "He is 25 years old."
- In spoken English, contractions are very common: "I'm," "you're," "he's," "she's," "it's," "we're," "they're."
Form & Structure
Affirmative
Subject + am / is / are + complement
I am a teacher.
She is very kind.
We are from Brazil.
Negative
Subject + am not / is not / are not + complement
I am not tired.
He is not at home.
They are not students.
Questions
Am / Is / Are + subject + complement?
Am I late?
Is she your friend?
Are they ready?
Common Mistakes
Using 'is' instead of 'are' with plural subjects
They is my friends.
They are my friends.
Tip: When the subject is plural (they, we, you, or multiple nouns), always use 'are', not 'is'.
Omitting the be verb entirely
She very happy.
She is very happy.
Tip: In English, you cannot skip the be verb. Every sentence needs a verb, and 'is/am/are' counts as the main verb here.
Using the wrong form with 'you'
You is my best friend.
You are my best friend.
Tip: 'You' always takes 'are', even when referring to just one person. Never use 'is' or 'am' with 'you'.
Why This Grammar Matters for Listening and Speaking
Introducing yourself or others
“Hi, I am Maria. I am a nurse from Mexico.”
“This is my colleague, James. He is very experienced.”
“We are the new team members.”
Describing how you feel
“I am really tired today.”
“She is nervous about the exam.”
“They are excited about the trip.”
Talking about location
“The café is on Main Street.”
“We are at the airport right now.”
“My keys are on the table.”
Giving basic personal information
“I am 28 years old.”
“She is Canadian.”
“They are married.”