Grammar: A1 - ⚙️ Verbs in Depth: ⏳ Present Simple Tense (Action Verbs) - Lesson 4: Contrasting Present Simple "be" with Present Simple Action Verbs

Grammar: 'be' vs. Action Verbs

A1 Lesson 4: Present Simple

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will understand the difference between 'be' verbs (am, is, are) and action verbs, and avoid the common mistake of using them together.

Two Types of Verbs

In the Present Simple, sentences have one main verb. This verb is usually a 'be' verb OR an action verb. Let's review their jobs.

The Verb 'be' (to describe)

Use 'am', 'is', 'are' to describe, identify, or locate someone or something.

• He is a farmer.
• The pepper is spicy.
• We are in Kampot.

Action Verbs (to do)

Use action verbs to show what the subject does.

• He works on a farm.
• I eat the spicy pepper.
• We live in Kampot.

The Most Important Rule 📖

Keep Them Separate!

In the Present Simple tense, a sentence has a 'be' verb OR an action verb. Never use them together. This is the most common mistake for new learners.

Incorrect: She is speaks English.

Correct: She speaks English.

Incorrect: They are work at the hotel.

Correct: They work at the hotel.

Comparison Table

This table shows the difference clearly.

Use 'be' (To Describe/Identify)	Use an Action Verb (To Do)
He is a driver.	He drives a tuk-tuk.
She is a good student.	She studies every day.
They are fishermen.	They catch fish.

Practice Your Grammar 🎯

Exercise: Choose the Correct Sentence

Read the pairs of sentences and choose the one that is grammatically correct.

1. A) I am live in Siem Reap.
   B) I live in Siem Reap.
   → B is correct.
2. A) He is tall.
   B) He is be tall.
   → A is correct.
3. A) They are play football.
   B) They play football.
   → B is correct.
4. A) The food is delicious.
   B) The food delicious.
   → A is correct. (Remember: Adjectives need the verb 'be'!)

Your Grammar Mission ⭐

Correct the Mistakes

All of these sentences are incorrect. Rewrite them correctly on a piece of paper.

Example: She is works in an office. → She works in an office.

1. I am go to the market every morning.
2. He is has a new moto.
3. They are speak English very well.

(Answers: 1. I go to the market every morning. 2. He has a new moto. 3. They speak English very well.)

Key Vocabulary

• Common Mistake (Phrase) | កំហុសទូទៅ
  An error that many people make.
• Separate (Adjective) | ដាច់ដោយឡែក
  Not together; apart from each other.
• Comparison (Noun) | ការប្រៀបធៀប
  Looking at the differences between two or more things.