English grammar › A1
be: am, is, are
Level A1 · I am · she is · they are
What is the verb be?
be is the most common verb in English. It connects a person or thing to a description: a name, a job, a feeling, a place.
When you use it
- Introducing yourself: I am Sara.
- Saying how you feel: We are tired.
- Saying where something is: It is on the table.
Pattern
person + am / is / are + description
What changes
the form of be, depending on the person
Examples
- I **am** a student. — am only with I
- They **are** at home. — are with you / we / they
Remember: In speaking, short forms are normal: I’m, she’s, they’re.
The rule
Use am with I, is with he / she / it and one thing, are with you / we / they and more than one.
be: I am, you are, he / she / it is, we are, they are
Short forms: I am tired. She is at home. → I'm tired. She's at home.
Tip
In speaking, people almost always use the short forms: I'm, you're, he's, it's, we're, they're.
Common mistakes
- Not:
She are a doctor.— But: She is a doctor. - Not:
I is happy.— But: I am happy.
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