Verb forms to be in English

The first thing that can get in the way of learning English for a beginner is the need to memorize all the verb forms of “to be”. Why is it so difficult? This is because of the fact that it changes depending on the person in question, as well as when used in the past, present, and future tenses.

What is truly important is that such a verb is not usually used in Ukrainian, so beginners can simply skip it. After all, this is often done by modern foreigners too! Turn on the first episode of the Paramount+ series Rabbit Hole: at about the 17th minute, the main character types the text message "You there?", blatantly dropping the "are". Well, can you really do that? It turns out you can. However, to understand all the peculiarities of using this verb, it is worth learning a bit more about it, including a short course and exercises from Booyya.

What functions can the verb “to be” have in English

The function of this verb is to describe someone's presence or existence, or to tell about the whereabouts of a person or an object. Sometimes, it can be used in speech to describe properties or qualities. If you need to indicate a specific period of time, then this word will come in handy as well. Additionally, it can indicate a passive state of action when used with other verbs.

Is it still difficult? Then let's consider several varieties of this verb with rules and examples of their use.

Denoting the meaning

In English, verbs that have their own meaning are called notional. They can indicate the action of a person. In this case, it can refer to the presence, existence, and even location of someone or something.

• Elena is on training.

The verb form “to be” used by us in this particular example carries a particular message.

• My bike is near the supermarket.

In this example, we can even use the synonym "stands".

• There are apples and bananas in a basket.

“There are” is a frequently used word combination, which you should remember as soon as possible. In this case, our complex verb indicates the presence of something.

Performing an auxiliary function

Mostly, the verb "to be" in English is used exclusively as an auxiliary in order to denote a passive state and to form Continuous tenses. Note that in such cases, it will not be translated. Here is how it looks:

• I'm having dinner now.
• My energy is gone, I am exhausted.
• I have been practicing yoga for over 8 years.

Did you notice that in the last sentence we used “been”? Get acquainted, this is another form of the verb we are talking about and another reason to start thoroughly studying the English language and its grammar rules.

Indication of the manner of action, i.e. modality

The use of this word with the particle "to" and the infinitive helps build sentences to describe plans, agreements, and assumptions about what is likely to happen in the future. Besides, the verb "to be" with "to" can be used for giving commands, instructions, or prohibitions. Here are a few examples for better understanding:

• You were to come!
• We are to visit grandma.
• So tell me what am I to do?

If it still remains unclear, then move on to the next section. There, we will explain how to quickly master the grammatical rules of the English language.

Master the form of the verb “to be” in English together with Booyya

If you are not confident enough while using the most common verb in English, it is not a reason to start relearning the language or enrolling in full courses. To fill the knowledge gap, it is enough to purchase and complete the course on the usage of this verb by Booyya. Its advantages are countless:

• allows you to work out complex grammar rules very quickly;
• contains clear explanations, because the language of the course teacher is Ukrainian;
• provides a lot of interactive materials that help to remember various constructions including videos, pictures, interesting texts, etc.;
• allows you to study wherever and whenever you want, as it can be accessed even from your phone;
• explains the complex grammar through examples so that you quickly grasp new information;
• contains useful exercises, completing which allows not only to memorize new information but also to learn how to apply it in practice.
• is suitable for beginners who have just started learning English and know it at a basic level.

The course based on the usage of the verb "to be" in English is very convenient because it is hosted on an interactive platform. Upon opening it, you enter an electronic textbook where you can learn theory, reinforce it by watching videos, and practice through exercises all within the platform. It is a highly convenient method of self-education, and the grammar course is structured in an engaging way, utilizing relevant examples that you will definitely use in your life.

Using the Booyya platform, you can independently learn English, selecting merely those courses that are releqvant to you, not just in grammar but also in vocabulary. However, you can also take the course with your teacher if you need additional explanations and live practice.

Maybe you are well-informed about all the peculiarities of using "to be" and grammar, because you yourself teach English? Then the course from Booyya will also come in handy, as it provides two fully prepared lessons suitable for both teenagers and adults.