The Verb Be 1: Am, Is and Are

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First day in an English class. Say your name.

Read each explanation, say your answer aloud, then open the model and try again. You may write your answer if you prefer. Use invented personal details whenever you like.

Useful preparation: No grammar lesson is required. Help with names and common describing words is available from the tutor.

Allow a first attempt before opening the model. Start: 3 minutes. Learn and You say: 18. Practice: 8. Listening: 9. Quiz and correction: 8. Speaking: 11. Recap: 3.

Choose a play button when you are ready.

I am, you are, he is

Use I am; you, we and they are; he, she and it is. Put the person or thing first. Use it for a thing: the bag → it. Use they for two or more people or things. For a thing or a group: the bag is blue; the bags are blue.

Short forms

We often use short forms when we speak: I am → I’m; you are → you’re; he is → he’s; she is → she’s; it is → it’s; we are → we’re; they are → they’re. Keep the apostrophe in writing.

Say no with not

Put not after am, is or are: I am not; she is not; they are not. Short forms: I’m not, isn’t and aren’t. She’s not and they’re not are also correct. Do not add do or does.

Guided practice

Try each answer first. Check it, or open a model and its explanation.

Try the form

Build or change a sentence

Listen to a short conversation

Listen. Then open the words and read aloud. Try one part with a partner, or say both parts on your own.

Listening checks

Read the question, play its recording, then choose an answer. You can open the transcript whenever you need it.

Mastery quiz

Choose the best answer for each situation. Aim for 7 out of 8, then correct anything you missed.

This quiz checks this lesson, not your overall English level.

Make it yours

Speak first, compare a model, then say a new version. These tasks are ungraded.

Recap

Listen and repeat. I am a student. She’s a teacher. I’m not tired.

Keep building your grammar