A1 · Present Forms

Verb be: affirmative, negative and questions

Use am, is and are accurately in present statements, negatives and questions.

Learning objectives

Recognise the form and meaning of verb be: affirmative, negative and questions.
Use verb be: affirmative, negative and questions in controlled A1 sentences.
Identify and correct common beginner errors.
Apply the concept in a short personal or everyday context.

Grammar rules

Use am with I.
Use is with he, she and it.
Use are with you, we and they.
Put not after be for the negative.
Move be before the subject to form a question.

Examples

I am a student.
She is happy.
They are ready.
He is not tired.
Are you from Bihar?

Common mistakes

Using a form that does not agree with the subject or noun.
Using the correct words in the wrong order.
Adding or omitting a required auxiliary, article or preposition.
Choosing a form that changes the intended meaning.

Revision notes

Review the rule, say the examples aloud, write two new examples and retake the concept test until you achieve at least 80%.

Validated question bank pending