Beginner Grammar
Start from the very beginning. Clear notes, then 40+ interactive exercises with instant feedback – based on the topics in Basic Grammar in Use. Perfect for absolute beginners (A1–A2).
Am / Is / Are“I am, he is, they are” – 44 interactive questions
📖 Grammar Reference – Am / Is / Are
Study the notes, then work through the six exercises.
1 Tier 1 – The Concept & Nuance: The Core Linking Verb (BE)
Am, is, are are the present forms of the verb be. In English, every sentence must have a verb, and be links the subject to a description, name, feeling, age, or location.
– He/She/It is ➔ He’s / She’s / It’s: “My car is blue.”
– We/You/They are ➔ We’re / You’re / They’re: “We’re students.”
– isn’t / ‘s not: “Tom isn’t at home.”
– aren’t / ‘re not: “Those shoes aren’t clean.”
2 Tier 2 – Essential Fixed Expressions with BE
In English, we use be for age, physical states, and sensations (where other languages often use ‘have’):
– be + age: “I am 25.” (NOT I have 25 years).
– be hungry / thirsty: “She is hungry.” (NOT she has hunger).
– be cold / warm: “It is cold today. / I am cold.”
– be interested in: “I am interested in art.”
– be afraid of: “He is afraid of dogs.”
3 Tier 3 – Top 3 Common Learner Pitfalls
– Rule: State age using be (am/is/are), never have.
– Rule: Compound subjects (My brother and I = we) require the plural verb are.
– Rule: Every English sentence requires a verb; never omit is in descriptions.
Made with care for English learners · allenglish4u.com
Original practice material inspired by the Basic Grammar in Use syllabus (Cambridge University Press). Example sentences and exercises are written by All English 4U.