List of 13 to Be Verbs in English Language
In this article, we will consider 13 to be verbs in English language and their usages. However, let’s consider what kind of verbs fall under this category.
In Grammar, to be verbs are: are, am, is, was, were, been and being. They are used to describe or tell us the condition of people, things, places and ideas.
For instance, they could tell us the subject’s age, nationality, job or other traits.
The verb “to be” in Grammar is a verb where the action talked about is not a big one, but a rather common one. The action is simply to be. It can have many contexts, such as to be someone (I am Mike), to be something (This is a book), to be feeling something (She is angry), to be somewhere (They are in Canada), to be in a certain state (You are cold) and many more states.
Let’s understand what the verb “to be” means, with examples of its uses in all its different forms.
What is The Verb “To Be”?
The meaning of the verb to be is simply to exist, or to be in a certain state, or to possess certain traits.
It is one of the shortest verbs in English. It is the most important, yet oddest, verb in the English language.
It is an irregular verb, because it completely changes its form in each tense, and in the singular and plural form of the first, second and third person.
13 to Be Verbs
The “Be” verbs (also called linking verbs) describe a state of being.
There are 13 forms of “be” verbs, which are:
1. Present Tense
Am
Is
Are
2. Past Tense
Was
Were
3. Past Participle
Been
4. Present Participle
Being
5. Infinitive Form
Be
Modal Forms (Used with auxiliary verbs)
6. Can be
7. Could be
8. Shall be
9. Should be
10. Will be
11. Would be
12. May be
13. Might be
These verbs are often used to express conditions, identity, or existence.