VERB TO BE

The verb “to be” is a verb used to describe something or someone. In English, it can be used to
say different things according to the context. However, the most common use of the to be
verb is to talk about names, ages, feelings, nationalities, and professions, especially when
talking in the present tense.

You are You´re

Let’s see some examples of this for sentences with the verb “to be”.
• For names:
She is Sheila
• For ages:
He is 6 years old. NEVER! He has 6 years old
He is 6 years old
• For feelings:
Lauren and Sandra are happy.
• For nationalities:
We are from Thailand.
• For professions:
You aren’t a painter, you are a singer.
 QUESTIONS IN ENGLISH WITH THE “TO BE” VERB
Verb “To be” can be used to make questions in English in 2 different ways.
The first option, and also the most important, is to use the verb “to be” to
make “yes” or “no” questions in English. This type of questions are very
simple, and they can be answered with a yes or no.

• Are you at home?
Yes, I am.
• Is Lisa ready for bed?
No, she isn’t.
The second one is to use it normally with Wh- questions.

CONTRACTED FORMS:
Who is? ---- Who´s?

What is? ---- What´s?

Where is? ---- Where´s?

 EXAMPLE OF A SIMPLE
CONVERSATION
• RENE: HELLO, HOW ARE YOU?
• ANDREA: HELLO, I AM FINE. AND YOU?
• RENE: OH, I AM FINE TOO! WHAT IS YOUR NAME?
• ANDREA: MY NAME IS ANDREA
• RENE: NICE TO MEET YOU, ANDREA. I AM RENE.
• ANDREA: NICE TO MEET YOU TOO. IT IS A PLEASURE. WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
• RENE: I’M FROM PERU. AND YOU?
• ANDREA: I´M FROM COLOMBIA.
• RENE: I´M SORRY, BUT I HAVE TO GO NOW.
• ANDREA: IT WAS NICE TALKING TO YOU!
 USEFUL PHRASES
INTRODUCE PEOPLE: - THIS IS_______
- DO YOU KNOW _____ ? HE/SHE IS MY _______
- I WOULD LIKE YOU TO MEET _____
- I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO ________
GREET PEOPLE: - GREAT TO MEET YOU!
- IT IS A PLEASURE TO MEET YOU.
- HOW NICE TO MEET YOU!
TO CLOSE THE CONVERSATION:- It was nice talking to you.
- I’m sorry, but I have to go now.
- Thanks for the information/ your time.