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English Grammar

“Present Be Verb”

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present be verb

Grammar Focus
Subject pronouns replace nouns and make sentences shorter. The be verbs am, is, and are must match the subject:

  • I am, you/we/they are, he/she/it is.
    Examples:
  • She is a nurse.
  • We are students.

This structure is used for basic descriptions, identities, feelings, and states.

Why This Grammar Matters for Listening and Speaking
Mastering be verbs helps learners participate in daily interactions. They appear frequently in:

  • Introductions (“I am Anna.”)
  • Status updates (“He is tired.”)
  • Questions (“Are they ready?”)

Clear subject-verb agreement improves both comprehension and fluency in everyday English.

Let’s Practice

Language Games

Now, practice your language skills with these interactive games.


🎧🗣️ Listening & Speaking Practice Questions

Use these questions to help you talk about yourself and others using simple sentences like I am…, She is…, or They are…. Practicing with be verbs helps you speak more clearly and understand everyday English conversations. Try to answer in full sentences and use your own ideas!

  1. Introduce Yourself:
    What can you say about yourself using “I am…”?
    ➤ For example: “I am from Thailand. I am a student.”
  2. Talk About People You Know:
    Choose one friend or family member. What can you say about them using “He is…” or “She is…”?
    ➤ For example: “She is my sister. She is funny.”
  3. Describe a Group:
    Can you describe a group of people (your class, family, coworkers) using “We are…” or “They are…”?
    ➤ For example: “We are happy today. Today is the last day of the school week.”

Let’s Practice

Useful Expressions for Listening and Speaking

When we speak with others, it not just about giving long answers or understanding grammar rules. Great conversations happen when we show we are listening and when we ask for help if we do not understand something.

Two kinds of expressions are very useful in real-life conversations, and you can practice these expressions with the activities in these lessons.

✅ Expressions to Show Interest

When someone is speaking, it is important to show you are listening. If you just stay silent, the other person may feel uncomfortable or think you are not paying attention.

These expressions help you sound friendly, engaged, and curious. You can use them when someone tells you a story, gives you news, or shares a personal experience. Using these phrases makes conversations more natural, fun, and respectful.

💬 Reactions to News or Stories

  • “Oh, really?”
  • “No way!”
  • “Seriously?”
  • “That’s interesting.”
  • “I didn’t know that.”
  • “I had no idea.”
  • “That’s surprising.”
  • “You’re kidding!”

😃 Expressing Positive Emotion or Encouragement

  • “That sounds great!”
  • “Good for you!”
  • “Wow, that’s amazing!”
  • “How exciting!”
  • “That must be fun.”
  • “I’m happy for you.”

🧠 Showing Thoughtfulness or Empathy

  • “I see what you mean.”
  • “That makes sense.”
  • “I can imagine.”
  • “That must be difficult.”
  • “I totally get it.”
  • “Been there!”

❓ Encouraging the Speaker to Continue

  • “And then what?”
  • “What happened next?”
  • “Tell me more.”
  • “I’m listening.”
  • “Keep going.”
  • “Go on.”

✅ Expressions to Seek Clarification or Understanding

Sometimes, you do not hear something clearly, or you are not sure what the other person means. That is normal! Instead of saying nothing or pretending to understand, it is better to ask for clarification politely. These expressions help you ask someone to repeat, explain, or confirm something. They help you stay in the conversation and avoid confusion.

🔁 Asking Someone to Repeat

  • “Sorry, what was that?”
  • “I didn’t catch that.”
  • “Come again?”
  • “Could you say that again, please?”
  • “One more time, please?”
  • “Would you mind repeating that?”

🤔 Asking for Clarification

  • “What do you mean?”
  • “Can you explain that a little more?”
  • “What does that mean?”
  • “I’m not sure I follow.”
  • “Can you say it another way?”
  • “Could you clarify that, please?”

✅ Confirming Understanding

  • “So you mean…?”
  • “Let me see if I understand.”
  • “Do you mean that ___?”
  • “So you’re saying ___?”
  • “Just to be clear, you said ___?”
  • “Are you saying ___?”
Disclosure: Randall developed this content through collaboration with AI, combining technological support with professional instructional design.
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