Grammar Lesson: The Verb ‘‘Be’’

Forms of the verb to be are used very frequently in the English language. It is very useful to know all of the verb’s forms. Here is a list to help you along with the verb’s tenses.

Activity

Underline the correct form of the verb "to be."

1. I (has, have) been washing the car for thirty minutes now.
2. (Was, Were) you photographing these beautiful mountains?
3. All of them (is, are) very happy with you, Maria.
4. (Was, Were) they believing your story?
5. My younger sister will (be, been, being) going off to college this fall.
6. The audience members (was, were) awed by the contestant's knowledge.
7. (Was, Were) you and Mickey at the movies on Monday, Monica?
8. I (wasn't, weren't) in favor of these stricter rules.
9. These paleontologists have (been, being) digging intensely.
10. It (wasn't, weren't) a good experience for any of us.
11. He (was, were) blaming me for the problems in the house.
12. Had you (been, being) hoping for an easier trip along the river?
13. You (is, are) the committee's first choice.
14. Many of the birds (is, are) flying toward the tower.
15. (Wasn't, Weren't) you thinking the same thing, Clara?
16. (Are, Is) this the correct address?
17. These magazines (was, were) on the table for hours.
18. (Was, Were) you trying to be funny?
19. (Is, Am) I to believe that tall tale, Tom?
20. You (is, are) going home with the other children.

Answers

1. have
2. Were
3. are
4. Were
5. be
6. were
7. Were
8. wasn't
9. been
10. wasn't
11. was
12. been
13. are
14. are
15. Weren't
16. Is
17. were
18. Were
19. Am
20. are