A2daily

Present Simple Affirmative - Daily 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 hungry after a long day.
  2. She thirsty from the hot weather.
  3. They tired after the long trip.
  4. We excited about the party tonight.
  5. He happy with his new job.
  6. You ready for the meeting.
  7. It cold outside today.
  8. I proud of my accomplishments.
  9. She interested in learning more.
  10. They busy with their projects.
  11. We grateful for your help.
  12. He calm and collected.
  13. You always punctual.
  14. It important to stay hydrated.
  15. I satisfied with the results.
  16. She comfortable in her new shoes.
  17. They nervous about the exam.
  18. We confident in our skills.
  19. He curious about the new gadget.
  20. You kind to everyone.
  21. It unusual to see snow here.
  22. I relaxed after the massage.
  23. She cheerful in the morning.
  24. They quiet during the movie.
  25. We hopeful for a better future.

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.