English The Verb "to be"

Overview

Learn how to conjugate the verb "to be" and the subject pronouns. Subject pronouns, conjugation of the verb "to be".
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The Verb to be is one of the most used verbs in the English language. It has different forms. Below are the positive and negative conjugations of the verb “to be” in the present simple tense.

Positive

positive to be1
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I’m 25 years old.
My brother is 22 years old.
Bob and I are neighbors.
Hello, my name is Mary.
My keys are in my bag.
You’re late for work.
It’s 9 am.
We’re happy.

Negative

negative to be
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Tom isn’t a teacher. He’s a lawyer.
Mary isn’t a student. She’s a nurse.
Tom and Mary aren’t teachers.
It isn’t cool today, it’s hot.
They aren’t Canadian. They are American.
We aren’t happy. We are sad.
I’m not Italian. I’m Spanish.
You aren’t early. You are late.

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Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

The CEFR is an international standard used to describe language ability. Here are specific details of the CEFR for this topic.

General Explanation:
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Specific Capabilities at this Level
Writing:
I can write a short, simple postcard, for example sending holiday greetings. I can fill in forms with personal details, for example entering my name, nationality and address on a hotel registration form.
Spoken Production:
I can use simple phrases and sentences to describe where I live and people I know.
Spoken Interaction:
I can interact in a simple way provided the other person is prepared to repeat or rephrase things at a slower rate of speech and help me formulate what I’m trying to say. I can ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics.
Reading:
I can understand familiar names, words and very simple sentences, for example on notices and posters or in catalogues.
Listening:
I can recognize familiar words and very basic phrases concerning myself, my family and immediate concrete surroundings when people speak slowly and clearly.