Lesson 4: The Verb "To Be" (am, is, are)

Welcome to our fundamental grammar lesson! When beginners first start speaking English, they often skip a very important word. In English, we cannot just say "I happy" or "She teacher"—we need a bridge to connect the subject to its description.

That bridge is the verb "To Be". Today, we will learn how to use am, is, and are correctly to clearly communicate who you are, how you feel, and what you do.

Welcome! In English, we cannot just say "I happy" or "She teacher"—we need a bridge. Let's learn how to use am, is, and are to clearly connect who you are with how you feel or what you do.
warning Common Mistake
In many languages, it is natural to drop the auxiliary verb when using adjectives. In English, you MUST include the verb. For example, "I am beautiful", never "I beautiful".
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Interactive Rules

I am
Rule: I + am
I am
Used when talking about yourself.
Example: I am a student at the university.
He is
Rule: He + is
He is
Used when talking about one male person.
Example: He is a driver in the city center.
She is
Rule: She + is
She is
Used when talking about one female person.
Example: She is very happy today because of the festival.
It is
Rule: It + is
It is
Used when talking about a thing, an animal, or the weather.
Example: It is very hot outside today.
We are
Rule: We + are
We are
Used when talking about a group of people that includes yourself.
Example: We are ready to start the bicycle tour!
They are
Rule: They + are
They are
Used when talking about a group of other people or things.
Example: They are tourists visiting the city.
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Knowledge Check

groups Introducing a Friend
Sophea is introducing her brother to a guest. Which sentence is correct?
(Hint: We are talking about one male person.)
local_cafe Ordering at the Cafe
You and your friend are at a cafe. How do you tell the waiter that both of you want water?
(Hint: You are talking about a group that includes yourself.)
wb_sunny Describing the Weather
How do you describe the hot sun during the summer?
(Hint: We are talking about the weather.)
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Lesson Complete!

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Study Resources

Lesson Summary & Review

Let's review the key concepts from today's lesson.

The Verb "To Be"

The verb "To Be" connects a subject to a description or an identity. It is an essential bridge in English sentences.

  • I am: Use this when talking about yourself. (Example: "I am a student.")
  • He is: Use this for one male person. (Example: "He is a driver.")
  • She is: Use this for one female person. (Example: "She is happy.")
  • It is: Use this for a thing, an animal, or the weather. (Example: "It is hot today.")
  • We are: Use this for a group of people that includes yourself. (Example: "We are ready.")
  • They are: Use this for a group of other people or things. (Example: "They are tourists.")

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