Verbe tenses

An irregular verb means that unlike regular verbs, which barely change when used with different subjects -or even in different tenses-, and when they do, they follow a pattern, the “to be” verb changes almost completely in most of its forms.

Base form: Be

This is the most basic form of the verb, and it’s how we can find it in the dictionary. It’s mostly used when using imperatives, and also as the infinitive.

Some examples are:

Be nice to your sister! (imperative)

I like to be at my house. (infinitive)

This form of the verb is mainly used in the simple present, and its meaning can change depending on the use in the context.

Also, when writing, the present form of the to be verb can be shortened.

I am – I’m

you are – you’re

he/she/it is – he’s/she’s/it’s

we/you/they are – we’re/you’re/they’re

I am not – I’m not

you are not – You aren’t

he/she/it isn’t

we/you/they aren’t

For names:

She is Sheila

For ages:

He is 6 years old.

For feelings:

Lauren and Sandra are happy.

For nationalities:

We are from Thailand.

For professions:

You aren’t a painter, you are a singer.

When talking about the past, the to be verb changes its form again. 

I was – I wasn’t

you were – You weren’t

he/she/it was – he wasn’t/she wasn’t/it

wasn’t

we/they/you were –

we weren’t/they weren’t/you weren’t

I was at the school yesterday

You were 10 years old last year.

Billy and Elliot were students, now they are doctors.

It was raining a while ago.