What is the simple present form of 'to be'?

Do you know how to use the verb to be in the present simple? Enhance your knowledge with the lesson given below and the grammar explanation to guide you better.

Check out these examples to see how we use to be in the present simple:

• I'm a musician.

• My dad's a chef.

• They aren't tired.

• Is she an engineer?

Grammar explanation - Present simple: 'to be'

We use the present simple of the verb to be to talk about situations and states in the present.

1. Contractions

We often contract the verb, especially when speaking.

• I am a software developer. = I'm a software developer.

• You are very kind! = You're very kind!

• He is her cousin. = He's her cousin.

• We are working on a new project. = We're working on a new project.

• They are enjoying their vacation. = They're enjoying their vacation.

2. Negatives

For negatives, use not after the verb. We can contract the verb or not.

• I am not at home. = I'm not at home. (Note: I amn't is not possible.)

• She is not a lawyer. = She's not a lawyer. = She isn't a lawyer.

• Time is not the issue. = Time's not the issue. = Time isn't the issue.

• We are not available. = We're not available. = We aren't available.

• They are not in the office. = They're not in the office. = They aren't in the office.

3. Questions

For questions, switch the order of am, is, or are with the subject.

• Are you happy?

• Is he Canadian?

• Is this your car?

• Are we early?

• Are they your neighbors?

4. Short answers

Note: Contractions are only used in no answers.

5. Questions with question words

We can also make questions using a question word like where, when, who, or what. The question word goes at the beginning.

• Where are you from? – I'm from Canada.

• When is your appointment? – It's tomorrow.

• Who's that? – That's my friend.

• What time is the event? – It's at 5 p.m.

Try another grammar lesson