CEFR A1

    Present Simple: Be

    Learn the most important verb in English - to be. Practice how to use am, is, and are for identities, descriptions, and locations in simple sentences.

    Learn Present Simple with 'Be'

    What You Will Learn

    Learn how to use 'am', 'is', and 'are' to talk about yourself and others.

    Learn when to use am, is, are
    Learn to introduce yourself and others
    Learn to ask questions with 'be'
    Learn to make negative sentences

    What Is 'Be'?

    The verb BE has three present forms: AM (I), IS (he/she/it), ARE (you/we/they). Use it to describe states, identities, and feelings.

    I am a teacher.She is happy.He is from Australia.They are students.It is cold today.

    Contractions

    I am → I'm. You are → You're. He/She/It is → He's/She's/It's. We/They are → We're/They're. Contractions are very common in everyday spoken and written English.

    'Be' is the most important verb in English. We use it to talk about who we are, how we feel, and where we are.

    Three Forms

    am → I am happy.

    is → She is a student.

    are → They are friends.

    Quick Examples

    I am from Canada.

    You are my friend.

    He is at home.

    Simple Rule to Remember

    Use this easy formula: I → am, He/She/It → is, You/We/They → are

    The New Student

    I am at school today.

    You are my new classmate.

    He is our teacher, Mr. Jones.

    She is Maria, a student from Italy.

    It is a very big classroom.

    We are happy to learn English.

    They are my friends in the playground.

    "The verb 'to be' connects everything!"

    When to Use Am, Is, Are

    Each form of 'be' goes with specific subjects.

    I → am

    I am happy

    I am at home

    I am a student

    He/She/It → is

    He is my brother

    She is a doctor

    It is raining

    You/We/They → are

    You are welcome

    We are friends

    They are here

    Try It

    Complete these sentences:

    1. "I __________ from England." (am, is, are)

    2. "She __________ a teacher." (am, is, are)

    3. "They __________ at the park." (am, is, are)

    Check your answers

    1. "I am from England."

    2. "She is a teacher."

    3. "They are at the park."

    Ready to test your Present Simple: Be knowledge?

    Challenge yourself with fill-in-the-blank exercises

    When Do We Use 'Be'?

    We use 'be' in many everyday situations.

    Introductions

    Names: I am Maria
    Jobs: He is a doctor
    Countries: We are from Spain

    "My name is John and I am from Canada."

    Feelings & Descriptions

    Good Feelings

    I am happy, She is excited, We are good

    Bad Feelings

    He is tired, They are sad, I am cold

    "Today I am very happy because the weather is beautiful."

    Locations

    At home
    In school
    At work
    On vacation

    "My parents are at home, but I am at school."

    Want to try a Present Simple: Be quiz?

    Practice with multiple choice questions

    Asking Questions

    To ask questions, put 'am', 'is', or 'are' at the beginning.

    Simple Questions

    Just switch the order: Statement → "You are happy." Question → "Are you happy?"

    Are you ready?

    Is she here?

    Am I late?

    Good Examples

    Are you from England?
    Is your brother at home?
    Are they students?

    Common Mistakes

    ❌ You are happy? (wrong order)

    ❌ She is where? (wrong order)

    Making Negative Sentences

    Add 'not' after 'am', 'is', or 'are' to make negative sentences.

    The Formula

    Subject + am/is/are + not + rest of sentence

    I am not tired
    She is not here
    They are not students

    Contractions (Short Forms)

    Native speakers often use short forms when speaking.

    am not → I'm not
    is not → isn't
    are not → aren't

    Master Present Simple: Be sentence building!

    Drag and drop words to form correct sentences

    Common Mistakes

    I is a student.I am a student.

    She are happy.She is happy.

    They is at home.They are at home.

    You am nice.You are nice.

    We is friends.We are friends.

    Practice Tips

    Remember: I → am, He/She/It → is, You/We/They → are
    Practice introductions every day: "I am [name]. I am from [place]."
    Describe people around you: "He is tall. She is happy."
    Practice with the speaking exercises - don't worry about mistakes!

    Speaking Practice

    To practice your pronunciation, listen to the native speaker audio first. Then 'Record' yourself repeating what you heard, then use the 'Playback' button to compare your pronunciation with the native speaker. If you want to record yourself again, simply click 'Delete'!

    She is a very good student.

    They are enjoying their pizza.

    I am reading my favourite book.

    Are you going to the party?

    Yes, I am. Are you?

    He is my brother.

    We are happy to be here today.

    The weather is beautiful in spring.

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