In English grammar, understanding how to use “am” “is” and “are” is crucial for clear communication. These verbs are forms of the verb “to be,” and they serve as linking verbs that connect the subject to its identity, state, or action. Correctly using am, is, and are is essential for mastering subject-verb agreement and forming positive sentences in the present tense.

Whether you’re working with singular subjects, plural subjects, or the second-person singular, each form has specific rules that can affect your sentence structure. Here, we will break down the rules for using am, is, and are with examples to help you improve your English proficiency.

Quick Summary

The verb “to be” is one of the most important elements of English grammar. It helps form the present tense and is used to describe the identity of the subject or the state of being. Here, we’ll cover the correct usage of “am,” “is,” and “are,” along with examples that will help you understand how to use these verbs in different sentences.

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Understanding ‘Am,’ ‘Is,’ and ‘Are’

“Am,” “is,” and “are” are forms of the verb “to be.” Each of these verbs is used with different types of subjects based on their number (singular or plural) and person (first, second, or third). The main purpose of these verbs is to link the subject of a sentence with a complement that provides more information, such as a description or action.

• Am is used with the first person singular subject “I”.
• Is is used with singular third-person subjects such as he, she, it, or a singular noun.
• Are is used with plural subjects (more than one person or thing), including you (both singular and plural).

The Basics of ‘Be’ Verbs

The verb “to be” serves several key functions in English grammar. It can show identity, describe a current condition, or represent an ongoing action. It also helps with subject-verb agreement, ensuring that the verb matches the subject in number and person.

In simple terms, subject-verb agreement means that the verb must agree with the subject in terms of singular or plural. For instance, “She is happy” and “They are happy” both follow the subject-verb agreement rule.

Importance in English Grammar

Correct use of “am,” “is,” and “are” is vital for clear communication. These verbs help convey identity, state of being, and ongoing actions, making your English communication sound natural and fluent. Misuse of these verbs can lead to confusion and make it harder for people to understand what you’re saying. Mastering their use is crucial for English grammar mastery and to sound more like a native speaker. This knowledge also plays a role in improving spoken English and written English skills.

Knowing ‘Am’

“Am” is the first-person singular form of the verb to be. This means that you only use “am” when the subject is “I”.

For Example

• I am feeling happy today.
• I am studying for my upcoming test.
• I am cooking dinner right now.
• I am excited to meet my friends later.
• I am learning how to speak Spanish.

Usage with the First Person Singular

It’s important to remember that “am” is only used with the first person singular subject. You will never say “She am” or “They am.” Instead, you would say “She is” or “They are.” The correct sentence formation is key to clear communication.

For Example

• I am tired after a long day at work.
• I am going to the gym later.
• I am reading an interesting book right now.
• I am looking forward to the weekend.
• I am proud of my accomplishments.

The Use of ‘Is’

“Is” is the form of the verb to be used with singular third-person subjects, including he, she, it, or a singular noun. This is a straightforward rule of verb conjugation that helps maintain subject-verb agreement.

When to Use with Singular Third-Person Subjects

When your subject is singular and in the third person (such as he, she, it, or any singular noun), you must use is. For example:

• She is an excellent singer.
• The cat is sleeping on the couch.
• He is running late for his meeting.
• My brother is studying abroad this year.
• It is a beautiful day outside.

Using ‘Are’ Correctly

“Are” is the form of the verb to be used with plural subjects, including the second-person subject “you”, and any plural nouns (e.g., they, we, dogs, cats).

Application with Plural Subjects

When the subject of the sentence is plural, use are. This is true whether the subject is a group of people or objects, or the second person (you). Here are examples:

• The students are preparing for their final exams.
• The dogs are playing in the park.
• We are going to visit our grandparents this weekend.
• The books are on the table.
• My friends are coming over for dinner tonight.

Second-Person Singular and Plural Usage

While “you” refers to both singular and plural, the verb form does not change. You still use “are” for both. This can be confusing, but just remember that no matter whether you’re talking to one person or more than one, the verb “are” remains the same.

For Example

• You are always so helpful to everyone.
• You are invited to the party tomorrow night. (singular)
• You are doing great with your English practice. (singular)
• You are all welcome to join us for the meeting. (plural)
• You are going to love the movie we’re watching. (plural)

Usage of ‘Am,’ ‘Is,’ and ‘Are’

Here are some more sentence examples using am, is, and are:

Sentences with “Am” (First Person Singular):

1. I am excited about the concert tonight.
2. I am learning how to play the guitar.
3. I am feeling tired after a long day.
4. I am planning a trip to the beach next weekend.
5. I am going to the store to buy some groceries.

Examples for “Is” (Singular Third-Person):

1. She is reading a book in the library.
2. The dog is playing in the garden.
3. He is a great cook and loves to try new recipes.
4. My car is parked outside the house.
5. It is raining heavily today.

Sentences with “Are” (Plural Subjects and “You”):

1. They are working on a new project together.
2. We are having a meeting this afternoon.
3. You are going to love this movie!
4. The students are studying for their final exams.
5. The flowers are blooming beautifully in the garden.

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Common Mistakes and Corrections

English learners often make mistakes with subject-verb agreement. Common errors include using “am” with singular subjects like he, she, or it, or mixing up “is” and “are” in plural subjects.

For Example

• Incorrect: He am happy.
• Correct: He is happy.

A good way to avoid these errors is to practice with flashcards or grammar exercises to reinforce correct usage of verbs.

Advanced Usage

In more advanced English, you might need to use am, is, and are in questions or negative sentences. Here’s how:

Questions and Negative Sentences

In question structure, you invert the order of the subject and verb. For example:

• Am I late for the meeting?
• Is she coming to the party tonight?
• Are they ready to leave for the trip?
• Are you excited about the concert this weekend?
• Is it going to rain later?

For negative sentences, add not after the verb:

• I am not feeling well today.
• She is not interested in going to the event.
• They are not coming over this evening.
• You are not allowed to bring food into the theater.
• It is not cold outside, so you don’t need a jacket.

Using the correct verb in these types of sentences is vital for clear communication and correct sentence formation.

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Grammar Rules and Examples

To summarize:

• Am is for first-person singular (I).
• Is is for singular third-person subjects (he, she, it).
• Are is for plural subjects (we, they) and you (singular and plural).

Remember to always check the subject-verb agreement and ensure the verb matches the subject in number and person.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use “am” in a sentence?
Use “am” with the first-person singular subject “I,” as in “I am happy.”

How do I use “is” in a sentence?
“Is” is used with singular third-person subjects, such as “She is a teacher” or “It is raining.”

What is the rule for using “are”?
“Are” is used with plural subjects or the second-person singular, like “They are friends” or “You are amazing.”

Can “am,” “is,” and “are” be used in negative sentences?
Yes, simply add “not” after the verb, for example, “I am not tired” or “He is not coming.”

How do contractions work with “am,” “is,” and “are”?
Contractions like “I’m” (I am), “She’s” (She is), and “They’re” (They are) make sentences sound more natural and conversational.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of “am,” “is,” and “are” is essential for clear and effective English communication. Understanding how to apply these verbs correctly with singular and plural subjects, as well as in questions and negative sentences, improves your grammar skills. Regular practice, through sentence construction exercises and flashcards, can help reinforce these rules. By mastering the correct use of these verbs, you will improve both your writing and speaking skills, making your English proficiency stronger and more accurate.