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BE - Present simple
The verb "BE" in the present simple
The verb "BE" is the equivalent of the verb "être" in French. It is an essential verb in English, used to describe states, identities, characteristics, etc.
Conjugation:
Here is the conjugation of the verb "BE" in the present simple:
I am
You are
He is
She is
It is
We are
They are
Contracted forms:
In spoken English and in informal contexts, we often use contracted forms:
I'm
You're
He's
She's
It's
We're
They're
Usage:
We use the verb "BE" in the present simple to:
-> Describe states or characteristics:
I am happy.
She is tall.
The book is interesting.
Express identity or origin:*
I am a student.
He is from Canada.
They are doctors.
Talk about age:*
I am 20 years old.
She is 35.
-> Indicate a position or a place:
I am at home.
The keys are on the table.
Examples
I am a teacher.
You are kind.
He is tired.
She is intelligent.
It is a cat.
We are friends.
They are students.
Negative form:
To form the negative, we add "not" after the verb "BE":
I am not (I'm not)
You are not (You're not / You aren't)
He is not (He's not / He isn't)
She is not (She's not / She isn't)
It is not (It's not / It isn't)
We are not (We're not / We aren't)
They are not (They're not / They aren't)
Interrogative form:
To form a question, we reverse the order of the subject and the verb "BE":
Am I...?
Are you...?
Is he...?
Is she...?
Is it...?
Are we...?
Are they...?
The verb "BE" is a fundamental verb in English. It is important to master it well in order to be able to express yourself correctly. Do not hesitate to practice with the exercises and to ask questions if you have any difficulties.


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