English Language Arts
Grade 4
15 min
To be: use the correct form
To be: use the correct form
What you'll learn
- Identify the seven coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) in a list with at least 80% accuracy.
- Explain how a coordinating conjunction connects two words, phrases, or sentences using at least two different examples.
- Apply coordinating conjunctions to combine two short, simple sentences into one longer, compound sentence in at least three out of four attempts.
Tutorial Preview
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the subject of a sentence to determine if it is singular or plural.
Correctly use 'am', 'is', and 'are' in present tense sentences.
Correctly use 'was' and 'were' in past tense sentences.
Differentiate between present and past tense forms of the verb 'to be'.
Construct complex sentences using the correct form of the verb 'to be'.
Proofread sentences to find and correct errors in the use of 'to be' verbs.
Have you ever noticed how the word 'be' is a master of disguise? 🥸 It changes its costume depending on who is talking and when!
In this lesson, we will learn about the super-important verb 'to be'. We'll discover its different forms, like &#...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Verb 'to be'A special verb that tells us what something is or what it is like. It doesn't show action, but instead shows a state of being.The sky *is* blue. I *am* a student. They *were* happy.
SubjectThe person, place, or thing that the sentence is about. The subject does the 'being'.In the sentence '*The cat* is sleeping,' the subject is 'The cat'.
SingularMeans there is only one of something.One book, one girl, one house. 'He *is* my friend.'
PluralMeans there is more than one of something.Many books, two girls, several houses. 'They *are* my friends.'
Present TenseShows that something is happening right now.I *am* hungry. The dogs *are* loud.
Past TenseShows that something has already happened.She *...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Present Tense Rule: Am, Is, Are
I -> am
He / She / It / Singular Noun -> is
You / We / They / Plural Noun -> are
Use these forms when talking about something happening now. The verb must agree with, or match, the subject.
Past Tense Rule: Was, Were
I / He / She / It / Singular Noun -> was
You / We / They / Plural Noun -> were
Use these forms when talking about something that already happened. Remember that 'You' always uses 'were' in the past tense, even if you're talking to just one person.
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Challenging
Read the short paragraph. Which sentence contains an error in the form of 'to be'? (1) Yesterday was a great day. (2) My family and I were at the beach. (3) The waves was huge and fun to jump in. (4) I am already excited to go back.
A.Sentence 1
B.Sentence 2
C.Sentence 3
D.Sentence 4
Challenging
Which sentence correctly uses a form of 'to be' to talk about a wish or a situation that is not real?
A.If I were a superhero, I would fly everywhere.
B.If I was a superhero, I would fly everywhere.
C.If I am a superhero, I would fly everywhere.
D.If I be a superhero, I would fly everywhere.
Challenging
One of the most colorful paintings in the entire museum ___ hanging in the main hall.
A.are
B.were
C.is
D.be
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Frequently asked questions
What grade level is "To be: use the correct form"?
To be: use the correct form is a Grade 4 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in To be: use the correct form?
You'll be able to: Identify the seven coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) in a list with at least 80% accuracy; Explain how a coordinating conjunction connects two words, phrases, or sentences using at least two….
Is "To be: use the correct form" free to practice?
Yes. You can read the tutorial preview for free, and signing up for a free ExcelOS account unlocks the full tutorial and all practice questions with instant feedback.
How many practice questions are included with To be: use the correct form?
This lesson includes 25 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.