To be: use the correct form

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 &#...

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 *...

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.