be

/biː/

verb

  1. To exist or to have a particular identity, quality, condition, or state.

    A1

    irregular: am, is, are, was, were, been, being; linking verb

    • "I am tired."A1
    • "I am happy."A1
    • "She is a doctor."A2
    • "The results were unexpected."B2

  2. To exist, occur, or be present in a particular place or at a particular time.

    A1

    linking verb; often used with there

    • "The keys are on the table."A1
    • "There are many stars in the sky."A1
    • "There is a problem with the printer."A2

  3. To function as or serve as something.

    A2
    • "She will be a doctor."A2

  4. An auxiliary verb used with another verb to form continuous tenses, passive structures, and some other grammatical forms.

    A2

    auxiliary; be + -ing for continuous forms; be + past participle for passive forms

    • "They are playing outside."A2
    • "The house was built in 1920."B1
    • "The issue is being carefully examined by the committee."C1

Common mistakes

  • I am agree.→I agree.

    Agree is a verb, so it does not normally follow be.

  • She is work here.→She works here.

    Use be + -ing for an action in progress: She is working here.

Collocations

be able tobe afraid ofbe interested inbe supposed tothere be

Word family

amisarewaswerebeenbeing