Learning the basics of English grammar is an essential step for young learners. One of the foundational elements is understanding the verb ‘to be’, which plays a crucial role in forming sentences in the simple present tense. For children, grasping the use of is am are for class 1 lays the groundwork for expressing ideas, describing people and things, and asking simple questions. In this blog, you will explore how to use the verb to be examples effectively, practice simple present tense exercises, and create meaningful simple present tense sentences.
What is the Verb ‘To Be’?
The verb ‘to be’ is a special verb in English that helps describe a person, place, thing, or condition. Unlike other verbs, it does not always require another action verb to complete the sentence. In the present simple tense, the forms of the verb ‘to be’ are am, is, and are. For example, “I am happy,” “She is tall,” and “They are friends.”
Understanding the verb to be examples helps children recognise patterns in sentence construction. It also builds confidence in reading and writing. For early learners, practising sentence with be repeatedly will make it easier to form correct English sentences naturally.
Read More – Guide to Teaching English Grammar for Kids
Forms of the Verb ‘To Be’
The verb ‘to be’ has three main forms in the present simple tense:
- Am – used with the subject I
- Is – used with he, she, it
- Are – used with you, we, they
Example: I am a student.
Example: She is my friend.
Example: We are in the classroom.
These forms are the building blocks for forming simple present tense sentences. Children can learn to identify the correct form based on the subject in their verb sentences exercises.
Using the Verb ‘To Be’ in Affirmative Sentences
Affirmative sentences tell us what someone or something is. They describe a state, condition, or fact. Using the verb ‘to be’ in affirmative sentences is straightforward for kids:
- I am happy.
- He is my brother.
- They are in the park.
When you practise simple present tense exercises, these examples allow children to build a strong foundation. Teachers and parents can create worksheets with prompts like “I ___ a student” and guide kids to fill in the correct form of the verb.
Using the Verb ‘To Be’ in Negative Sentences
Negative sentences show what someone or something is not. You form negative sentences by adding not after the verb ‘to be’. Examples include:
- I am not tired.
- She is not sad.
- We are not late.
Negative sentences are essential for expressing disagreement, refusal, or denial. Practising verb sentences with negative forms helps children understand how sentence structure changes in English.
Using the Verb ‘To Be’ in Questions
Questions with the verb ‘to be’ are used to ask about someone or something. To form a question, we invert the verb and the subject:
- Am I right?
- Is he your friend?
- Are they at home?
This skill is crucial for children as it allows them to interact confidently in English. Including simple present tense exercises that focus on questions enhances conversational skills and comprehension.
Read More – Fun English Grammar Games for Kids
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When learning verb to be examples, children may make a few common mistakes:
- Using is with I instead of am – e.g., “I is happy” (incorrect)
- Forgetting not in negative sentences – e.g., “She is sad” when they mean “She is not sad”
- Incorrectly forming questions – e.g., “Are he happy?” (correct: “Is he happy?”)
Parents and teachers can use simple worksheets and verb sentences exercises to correct these mistakes through repetition and guided practice.
Fun Activities to Learn ‘To Be’
Learning the verb ‘to be’ does not have to be boring. Here are some engaging activities:
- Fill in the blanks: Provide sentences like “We ___ friends” for kids to complete with are.
- Matching games: Match subjects with the correct form of verb ‘to be’.
- Sentence building: Encourage children to create sentences using cards with am, is, are.
These activities reinforce learning while keeping kids interested. By using simple present tense exercises, children quickly understand the correct use of verb sentences in daily life.
Why Learning ‘To Be’ is Important
The verb ‘to be’ is not just a grammar rule. It is a tool for communication. Knowing how to use is, am, and are helps children:
- Express feelings and emotions accurately
- Describe people, places, and objects
- Ask and answer questions confidently
- Build a strong foundation for advanced English grammar
By mastering sentence with be, kids gain confidence and fluency, making reading and writing enjoyable.
Read More – Engaging English Grammar Rules for Kids
Examples of Simple Present Tense Sentences
Here are some verb to be examples for practice:
- I am happy today.
- He is my teacher.
- She is not at home.
- We are learning English.
- They are not tired.
- Are you ready for class?
Practising these examples regularly improves retention and understanding.
Integrating Heureka Curriculum
EuroKids follows the Heureka Curriculum, which emphasises practical learning through play and activities. While learning the verb to be, children are encouraged to engage in interactive exercises, helping them understand concepts rather than memorising rules. This method ensures that children enjoy the learning process while achieving strong language skills.
Conclusion: Start Early with EuroKids
Learning the verb ‘to be’ at an early age sets children on a path to confident English usage. With proper guidance, interactive simple present tense exercises, and regular practice of verb sentences, your child can master this essential grammar concept.
EuroKids provides a safe, engaging environment where children learn foundational English grammar with fun activities, worksheets, and teacher-led exercises. For parents seeking a school that prioritises early English learning, EuroKids Admission is open, offering structured learning aligned with the Heureka Curriculum to ensure your child’s success in language development.
For more insights, you can explore the EuroKids Blog section for helpful articles and resources to reinforce learning at home.
FAQs
1. What is the verb ‘to be’?
The verb ‘to be’ is a key verb in English used to describe a person, place, or thing. Its forms in present tense are am, is, are.
2. How do I make negative sentences with ‘to be’?
Add not after the verb: “I am not tired,” “She is not sad,” “We are not late.”
3. How do I form questions using ‘to be’?
Invert the subject and verb: “Am I right?” “Is he your friend?” “Are they at home?”
4. Why is learning ‘to be’ important for kids?
It helps children express feelings, describe people or things, and form correct simple present tense sentences.
5. Can children practise ‘verb to be examples’ at home?
Yes. Use worksheets, sentence-building games, and simple present tense exercises to reinforce learning.
















