A1 · Lesson 1 · 20 min
Be and basic sentences
In this lesson
- I can use am, is and are to talk about people, things and places.
- I can make simple statements, questions and negatives with be.
Grammar in context
Maya is a new student at a college in Bristol. She is friendly and her classmates are helpful. Her teacher is Mr Green. Today, Maya is happy because the lesson is interesting.
Which form of be follows Maya, her classmates and her teacher: am, is or are?
Be with people and things
Use be to say who someone is, how they feel or where they are. Choose am, is or are to match the person or thing. Use are with you, even when you speak to one person.
- I am a student.
- He is a teacher. She is kind. It is cold.
- You are welcome. We are ready. They are at home.
Statements and short forms
Start with the person or thing, then add am, is or are: My brother is a chef. We often use short forms in speaking and everyday writing. I am becomes I’m; she is becomes she’s; we are becomes we’re.
- I am tired. → I’m tired.
- He is here. → He’s here.
- You are ready. → You’re ready.
- They are students. → They’re students.
Questions and negatives
To ask a question, put am, is or are first: Are you tired? To make a negative, put not after the verb: I am not late. You can also use isn’t for is not and aren’t for are not.
- Is she at home? Yes, she is.
- I am not late. → I’m not late.
- They are not ready. → They aren’t ready.
Common mistakes
Compare the incorrect and corrected forms.
Avoid
She are my neighbour.
Use
She is my neighbour.
Use is with she and one person.
Avoid
Is very nice the café.
Use
The café is very nice.
Start a statement with the person or thing, then add am, is or are.
Put it into practice
Try the exercises, write your own examples and check your understanding.