Using Is, Am, Are | BodhiSutra English speaking course

Simple Present forms of Be verb

Is, am and are are simple present forms of the verb -to be.

They are used to describe the state, feeling or condition that something or someone is in. Thus, is, am, are connect the subject to what is being said about the subject.

For example:

• He is impatient
• She is talented
• I am the manager of this restaurant
• They are not here
• The Americans are fond of their hamburgers.

Singular, Plural and Is, am, are

Usage varies with whether the subject is plural or singular and also, the person of the noun/pronoun.

Thus,

• Am is used with first person singular (I)
• Is – is used with third person singular (he, she, Ramu, Manisha)
• Are – is used with third person plural (They, Indians, judges)

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