📘 Part of the Complete English Course · Beginner (A1), week 1
'Be' is the most important verb in English. We use it to say who we are, where we're from, how we feel, and what things are like.
The rules
Positive and short forms
| Full form | Short form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I am | I'm | I'm from Vietnam. |
| you are | you're | You're late! |
| he / she / it is | he's / she's / it's | She's a nurse. |
| we / they are | we're / they're | They're at work. |
Negatives
| Full form | Short form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I am not | I'm not | I'm not hungry. |
| he / she / it is not | isn't | It isn't expensive. |
| you / we / they are not | aren't | We aren't ready. |
Questions
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Am I late? | Yes, you are. / No, you aren't. |
| Is she your sister? | Yes, she is. / No, she isn't. |
| Are they from India? | Yes, they are. / No, they aren't. |
Remember
- Use 'be' for names, jobs, places, ages, feelings and descriptions: I'm 30. He's tired. The café is open.
- In speaking, we usually use short forms: I'm, you're, she's.
- For questions, put 'am / is / are' first: Is it cold? Are you OK?
- In short answers, don't use the short form: 'Yes, I am.' (not 'Yes, I'm.')
Listen and repeat
- Hi, I'm Ana. I'm from Brazil.
- This is my friend Tom. He's a chef.
- Are you OK? Yes, I'm fine, thanks.
- It isn't far. It's next to the bank.
Common mistakes
| Not this | Say this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| I'm 30. | Use 'be' for age in English. | |
| She's a nurse. | Don't forget the verb 'be'. | |
| Yes, I am. | Use the full form in short answers. |
Check yourself
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Frequently asked questions
When do we use am / is / are in English?
'Be' is the most important verb in English. We use it to say who we are, where we're from, how we feel, and what things are like. Use 'be' for names, jobs, places, ages, feelings and descriptions: I'm 30. He's tired. The café is open.
What are common mistakes with am / is / are?
Say 'I'm 30.', not 'I have 30 years.' (Use 'be' for age in English). Say 'She's a nurse.', not 'She nurse.' (Don't forget the verb 'be'). Say 'Yes, I am.', not 'Yes, I'm.' (Use the full form in short answers).
What level is this am / is / are lesson?
It's a Beginner (A1) lesson, week 1 of the free Complete English Course. It takes about 10 minutes and ends with a quiz.