A2business

Present Simple Affirmative - Business English "to be"

Type your answer in each blank and press Enter to check it, or use Check answers below. A cue in (brackets) is the word to put in the right form.

The verb "to be" is the first verb you need in English, because it links a subject to a description, a job, a place, or a feeling. In the present simple it has three forms: I am, he/she/it is, and you/we/they are. Use it to say who someone is, what something is like, or where things are: "I am the new accounts manager," "She is in a meeting until eleven," "Our offices are in Lyon." In speech and informal writing we usually contract it: I'm, you're, he's, she's, it's, we're, they're, as in "We're ready to start" or "He's available this afternoon." A key point: "to be" does not need "do" or an extra verb. To make a question, move "be" in front of the subject ("Are you free on Tuesday?"); to make a negative, add "not" after it ("I am not sure" / "She isn't here today"). The most common pitfall for learners is matching the wrong form to the subject, or adding "do": say "She is busy," never "She are busy" or "She does be busy." Notice too that English often uses "to be" where some other languages use "have", we say "I am thirty" and "I am cold," not "I have thirty."

Let's practise. Type each answer and press Enter, I'll check it with you.

  1. I pleased to meet you.
  2. She the new marketing manager.
  3. They excited to join the team.
  4. We happy to welcome you aboard.
  5. He our new CEO.
  6. You a valuable part of this company.
  7. It great to see you again.
  8. I confident about the presentation.
  9. She satisfied with the project results.
  10. They thrilled about the new partnership.
  11. We proud of our team's achievements.
  12. He enthusiastic about the upcoming event.
  13. You always supportive and encouraging.
  14. It a pleasure working with you.
  15. I responsible for the sales department.
  16. She in charge of the client relations team.
  17. They located in the main office.
  18. We available to assist you anytime.
  19. He available today.
  20. You essential to the new project.
  21. It under review.
  22. I ready for the meeting.
  23. She ready with the quarterly report.
  24. They at the conference.
  25. We excited about the new opportunities.

Common questions

What is the difference between am, is, and are in the present simple?

They are the three present forms of "to be", chosen by the subject. Use "am" only with I (I am ready). Use "is" with he, she, it, and singular nouns (She is the manager; the report is late). Use "are" with you, we, they, and plural nouns (You are early; the clients are here).

How do I make negatives and questions with the verb to be?

Do not use "do". For a negative, put "not" after the verb: "I am not free," "He is not (isn't) in the office," "They are not (aren't) ready." For a question, put the verb before the subject: "Am I late?", "Is she the new director?", "Are you available on Friday?" Short answers reuse the verb: "Yes, I am." / "No, they aren't."

When do I use contractions like I'm, he's, and we're?

Contractions join the subject and "be" (I'm, you're, he's, she's, it's, we're, they're) and are normal in conversation, emails, and most everyday writing: "I'm pleased to meet you," "We're delighted with the results." Use the full forms (I am, she is) in formal documents or for emphasis: "I am certain this is correct." Negatives contract too: isn't, aren't.