Verb to be
01 · Quick explanation
am / is / are tell us who someone is, what something is like, or where it is.
02 · Full explanation
Use am with I, is with he, she, it and singular nouns, and are with you, we, they and plural nouns. For the negative, add not after the verb (isn't, aren't; but I'm not). In questions, put am/is/are before the subject. In Kazakh and Russian this verb is often not said in the present, but in English it is required.
03 · Formula
04 · Affirmative
+ Subject + am / is / are + …
- I am a pupil.
- She is twelve.
- They are at home.
05 · Negative
− Subject + am / is / are + not + …
- I'm not tired.
- He isn't a doctor.
- We aren't late.
06 · Question
? Am / Is / Are + subject + …?
- Am I right?
- Is it cold today?
- Are you from Astana?
07 · Examples
ENI am a student.
KZМен студентпін.
RUЯ студент.
ENMy sister is a teacher.
KZӘпкем — мұғалім.
RUМоя сестра — учитель.
ENThe books are on the table.
KZКітаптар үстелдің үстінде.
RUКниги лежат на столе.
ENAre they at school?
KZОлар мектепте ме?
RUОни в школе?
ENIt isn't cold today.
KZБүгін суық емес.
RUСегодня не холодно.
08 · Signal words
09 · Common mistakes
✗ She are my friend.
✓ She is my friend.
She takes is.
✗ I from Kazakhstan.
✓ I am from Kazakhstan.
English sentences need a verb: do not drop am.
✗ Is they happy?
✓ Are they happy?
They takes are.
10 · Compare with similar grammar
to be vs other verbs (Present Simple)
Use am/is/are before nouns, adjectives and places. With action verbs, use Present Simple: do not put is before a main verb.
She is a doctor.
She works in a hospital.
Are you hungry?
Do you like soup?
11 · Interactive exercises
Answer each task and press Check. Type answers in English.
0 / 10 · 0 checked
1. Choose the correct answer:
My brother ___ ten years old.
2. Choose the correct answer:
We ___ in the classroom.
3. Choose the correct answer:
___ you tired?
4. Fill in the gap:
I ___ from Shymkent.
5. Fill in the gap:
The cat ___ under the bed.
6. Fill in the gap:
My parents ___ at work now.
7. Fill in the gap:
He ___ a pilot. He is a driver. (negative)
8. Choose the correct answer:
___ it your phone?
9. Correct the sentence:
They is my classmates.
10. Correct the sentence:
I not hungry.
12 · Mini test
Question 1 / 5
Which sentence is correct?
13 · Practice
Choose a skill to practise this topic.