Using the verb BE as a helping verb

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Hello Students,

As you know, the verb "be" is a very important verb to understand when you learn English. It serves as a main verb and as a helping verb. It changes according to the subject and the verb tense. The words am, is, are, was, were are all examples of the verb "be." 

• This is a beautiful day. (is = main verb)
• This is turning into a beautiful day. (is = helping verb)
• This work will be finished soon. (will be = helping verb phrase)

This short YouTube video provides some explanation of how the verb "be" is used as a helping verb. If you think you already know how to use this verb, try the exercise below:

Directions: Use the correct form of the verb "be" to complete each sentence or question. Pay attention to the verb tense.

1. The refugees ______ helped by the Red Cross. (past tense)

2. This ______ taking way too long. (present continuous tense)

3. She _______ born in Miami. (past tense, passive voice)

4. How many students ______ going on the field trip? (present continuous)

5. I ______ working yesterday. (past continuous tense)

6. What _______ you doing yesterday? (past continuous tense)

7. The employees _______ paid on Friday. (present tense, passive voice)

8. Dinner ______ ______ served at 7 p.m. (future tense, passive voice)

9. The plane ______ ______ leaving soon. (future continuous tense)

10. I ______ ______ given a new assignment. (present continuous tense, passive voice)

Answers are below.

 

+ The word of the day is "riot." 

+ There's a new exercise for words that rhyme with "wave." 

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Have a good day!

 

Your teacher,

Paul

PEACE!

Answers:

1. were; 2. is; 3. was; 4. are; 5. was; 6. were; 7. are; 8. will be; 9. will be;
10. am being