Verb To Be - Am, Is, Are Intermediate Exercises

Present forms of to be become more useful when the subject is a name, a longer subject, or two people together. A single name works like he or she: "Maria is from Mexico" and "Mr Johnson is our teacher." One object or place works like it: "My phone is in my bag." More than one thing works like they: "My friends are funny" and "These shoes are too small."

Two-part subjects are also common. When two people or things are joined with and, use are: "Tom and Lucy are brother and sister." When the speaker is included, use we are: "Anna and I are in the same class." Time and place phrases do not usually change the choice of am, is, or are. The subject still controls the verb. This helps you build accurate longer beginner sentences with everyday information about people, objects, rooms, and places in class.