Using the Verb ‘Be’

The verb ‘be’ is the most common word you will use.

The verb ‘be’ has different forms for different subjects. This is called conjugation.

subject‘be’ present‘be’ past
Iamwas
wearewere
youarewere
theyarewere
heiswas
sheiswas
itiswas

‘be’ conjugation

Examples of How to Use ‘Be’ in a Sentence

To make a negative sentence use ‘be’ + ’not’.

  • + I am happy.
  • - I am not happy.

Use the same rules for subjects such as your friend John, or your cat.

If the subject is one (1) person or thing, you use the singular form of ‘be’. This is the same form you use for ‘he’, ‘she’ and ‘it’.

He is happy.

John is happy.

The cat is happy.

If the subject is more than one (2+) person or thing, you use the plural form of ‘be’. This is the same form you use for ’they’.

They are happy.

John and Kate are happy.

The cats are happy.