How to Use To Be in English - Using Be in English Grammar Lesson

Summary

In this engaging lesson from Oxford Online English, learners explore the essential verb 'to be,' its various forms, and how to construct simple sentences, negative statements, and yes/no questions. The video emphasizes the importance of practicing these forms for effective communication and introduces contractions to help sound more natural. Through clear examples and interactive prompts, viewers gain confidence in using 'to be' correctly in everyday conversations, making this a valuable resource for improving English language skills.

Takeaways

• 😀 The verb 'to be' is essential in English and is used frequently in both sentences and questions.
• 😀 Different forms of 'to be' include: I am, You are, He/She/It is, We are, You are, They are.
• 😀 To create negative sentences with 'to be', simply add 'not' after the verb.
• 😀 Short forms (contractions) of 'to be' include: I'm, You're, He's, She's, It's, We're, They're.
• 😀 Negative contractions with 'to be' are: I'm not, You aren't, He isn't, She isn't, It's not, We're not, They aren't.
• 😀 Yes/no questions with 'to be' are formed by moving the verb to the beginning of the sentence.
• 😀 Examples of forming yes/no questions: 'He is a doctor' becomes 'Is he a doctor?'
• 😀 Practice is key; repeat the forms of 'to be' until you know them perfectly.
• 😀 Using short forms makes spoken English sound more natural.
• 😀 For further practice, you can watch the lesson video again or visit the website for more resources.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the lesson?

The main focus of the lesson is on the verb 'to be' and its various forms and uses in English.

Why is the verb 'to be' considered important in English?

The verb 'to be' is essential because it is used frequently in English, forming the basis of many sentences and expressions.

Can you list the different forms of 'to be'?

The different forms of 'to be' are: I am, You are, He/She/It is, We are, You are, They are.

How can 'to be' be used with numbers?

'To be' can be used with numbers to describe age or measurements, such as 'I am 29 years old' or 'It is 5:00.'

What is the structure for making negative sentences with 'to be'?

To make negative sentences with 'to be', add 'not' after the verb, for example, 'I am not 29 years old.'

What are some examples of short forms (contractions) with 'to be'?

Some examples of contractions with 'to be' include: I'm (I am), You're (You are), He's (He is), She's (She is).

How do you form yes/no questions using 'to be'?

To form yes/no questions with 'to be', move the verb to the beginning of the sentence, for example, 'Is he a doctor?'

What should learners remember about using short forms in speech?

Learners should remember to use short forms in speech to sound more natural and fluent in English.

How can learners further practice the verb 'to be' after the lesson?

Learners can revisit the lesson video and explore the full lesson on the Oxford Online English website for additional practice.

What does the lesson encourage regarding repetition and practice?

The lesson encourages learners to repeat the forms of 'to be' and practice forming sentences and questions until they are comfortable.