The Verb To Be

The verb to be is the most irregular verb in the English language. It is normally a linking verb showing existence or the condition of the subject. It can also be used as an auxiliary verb when forming the passive voice.

The forms of the verb to be in English are as follows:

Infinitive to be
Present am, is, are
Past was, were
Present Participle being
Past Participle been
Present Subjunctive   be
Past Subjunctive were
Imperative be

For more on this see The Subjunctive Mood and Subject-Verb Agreement.


Complete Contents
Glossary

Grammar Contents


Copyright©1997-2023 English Plus, All rights reserved.