Common Core
Grammar Reference
Grammar: Forms of 'to be'
The verb "to be" is the most common and versatile verb in English. It is highly irregular and serves to describe identity, states, and locations, or functions as an auxiliary verb.
Key Forms & Uses
1. Present Simple (am, is, are)
2. Past Simple (was, were)
3. Future Simple (will be)
4. Perfect Form (been)
Structure: have/has/had + been
5. Continuous Form (being)
Used for temporary behavior
| Form Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present | am/is/are | She is happy. |
| Past | was/were | They were late. |
| Future | will be | We will be there. |
| Perfect | has/have been | I have been busy. |
| Continuous | ... being | He is being kind. |
- I am happy. ð
- She is a doctor. ðĐââïļ
- They are students. ð
- We are in the classroom. ðŦ
- I was tired yesterday. ðī
- He was at home last night. ð
- They were at the park. ðģ
- I will be ready in five minutes. âģ
- She will be a great teacher. ðĐâðŦ
- We will be at the meeting. ð
- I have been to Paris. ðž
- She has been very busy lately. ð
- They have been friends for years. ðĪ
- He is being silly today. ðĪŠ
- She is being very helpful. ð
- He was being rude earlier. ð
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