Grammar-Verb 'to be'

Use:

Form:

Positive sentences

Negative Sentences

Questions

Short answers

Contractions

The verb be has a full form and a contracted form.

I am = I’m

He is = He’s

We normally use the contracted form (‘m / ‘s / ‘re) in speaking and informal writing. We write the words in full in formal writing.

You can only use one contraction at a time:

eg: He isn’t

He’s not

but NOT He’sn’t

You can contract ‘be’ after pronouns (I, you, she etc) and names.

You can contract ‘is’ after question words.

What is your name? => What’s your name?

But do not contract ‘are’ after question words.

Where are you from? => Where’re you from?

Do not contract short answers:

Yes, I am NOT Yes, I’m

Common mistakes

1. In English, every sentence must have a verb. Some students write sentences with no verb.

I very hungry. => I’m very hungry

My brother in his bedroom. => My brother is in his bedroom.

2. Some students write questions incorrectly.

She is your sister? => Is she your sister?