Tip 9
The verb to be - when do we use it in English?
In the previous tip I explained how to use the verb –to be- in the present, past and future. I also talked about the fact that since it does not exist (in Hebrew) (in some languages) in the present tense, many people tend to simply forget to use it.
Now that we understand the different forms of the verb, and how it is used with the different subjects, let’s try to look at when to use it.
In English, there are 3 cases in which we use the verb to be:
to avoid confusion the examples below are strictly in the present tense
In English, there are 3 cases in which we use the verb to be:
1) Descriptive/defining sentences (a stative being):
- I am happy. (I’ve described a mood)
- We are doctors. (I’ve defined a job)
- She is beautiful. (I’ve defined an appearance)
2) -ing- sentences (a dynamic\performative “being” that describes a process or an occurrence in a time frame)
- I have been working on an important project recently. (a process happening\a recent “being”)
- We are eating breakfast right now. (Happening at the time of speaking).
- She is thinking about moving to a new neighborhood. (happening recently \ a recent “being” \ dynamic performative process)
3) Passive sentences (sentences that describe something done to someone or something; the performer of the action is subordinate in importance.)
Passive
- I am forced to leave the country. (whoever or whatever forced me is less important\unimportant).
- The cars are made in Germany. (which company or who or what makes the cars is subordinate).
- The information is stored in English. (who or what stores the information is of lesser importance).
It’s worth noticing that there is a type of "formula" for constructing each type of sentence:
a) Subject + be (descriptive sentences)
I am, we are, he is (examples)
b) Subject + be + verb.ing (continuous sentences)
I am doing, we are doing, he is doing (examples)
c) Subject + be + v3 (passive sentences)
I am done, we are done, he is done (examples)
So remember, the verb to be is one of the most common verbs in the English language, and it used to build 3 different kind of sentences with different meanings.
From now on, every time you read a book or watch a movie or series in English, try to pay attention to the different structures in which the verb to be is used, and also pay attention to the differences.
The more examples you notice, the more your understanding will deepen – increased self-confidence and fluency will follow suit 🙂
