be
Translation
to be
Examples
She is a doctor.
She is a doctor.
The book is on the table.
The book is on the table.
I am happy.
I am happy.
The meeting will be tomorrow.
The meeting will be tomorrow.
Grammar Patterns
((subject)) + be + ((noun)) to identify (sth./sb.) He is a teacher.
((subject)) + be + ((adjective)) to describe a state They are tired.
((subject)) + be + ((prepositional phrase)) to indicate location The keys are in the drawer.
There + be + ((noun phrase)) to state existence There is a cat on the roof.
Similar Words
Synonyms: exist, live
Etymology
From Old English 'bēon', from Proto-Germanic. One of the most fundamental verbs.
Memory Tips
The most basic verb, connecting a subject to its identity, state, or location. Remember its many forms: am, is, are, was, were, been.