English For Cool Dudes

📘 The Verb 'To Be' (Present Simple)

Master the most important verb in English. (A1 Beginner)

1. Affirmative Forms (I am / You are)

The verb **'to be'** is used to describe a person, thing, or place, and to give basic information like name, age, or location. It is the most common and important verb in English!

Look at the three forms of 'to be' in the present tense: **am, is, are**.

Subject Full Form (Affirmative) Contraction (Short Form)
I I **am** (I am a teacher.) I'm (I'm happy.)
You / We / They You / We / They **are** (We are in the park.) You're / We're / They're (They're cool.)
He / She / It He / She / It **is** (She is my sister.) He's / She's / It's (It's easy.)

✍️ 2. Practice: Am, Is, or Are?

Choose the correct form of the verb 'to be' from the bank to complete the sentences.

Verb Bank:

3. Negative Forms (I am not)

To make a sentence negative, simply add **'not'** after the verb 'to be'.

Subject Full Form (Negative) Contraction (Short Form)
I I am not (I am not sad.) I'm not (I'm not ready.)
You / We / They You / We / They are not (We are not busy.) You **aren't** / We **aren't** / They **aren't**
He / She / It He / She / It is not (He is not tall.) He **isn't** / She **isn't** / It **isn't**

🤝 4. Contraction Match: Full Form to Short Form

Match the **Full Form** to its correct **Contraction**. Click two cards to form a pair.

Full Form

Contraction

🗣️ 5. Speaking Practice

Use the verb 'to be' to answer these simple questions about yourself.

  • What is your name? (e.g., I am John.)
  • Where are you from? (e.g., I am from Brazil.)
  • Are you a student? (e.g., Yes, I am. / No, I am not.)
  • Is English difficult for you? (e.g., No, it isn't. / Yes, it is.)