Review: Be as a Linking Verb

  Forms of be: be, am is are, was were, been, being

The verb be can function as a linking verb (or copular). It links or connects a subject and a predicate.

(+): Subject + be + predicate noun/adjective.
(-): Subject + be not + predicate noun/adjective.

The verb be takes on different forms depending its subject and tense. In this section, we look at are.

 

Positive Sentences Forms with Are

Are is used with the second person singular (you), and plural (you, we, they).

(+): We/You/They
John and Mary+ are + noun/adjective.
The children
These chairs

Examples:
• We are from New Zealand.
• Tom and Ivan are rocket scientists.
• The soldier’s barracks are very clean

 

Negative Sentences

(-): We/You/They
Mr. and Mrs. Smith+ are not + noun/adjective.
Her sons/Our cars
Those referees

Examples:
• His dogs aren’t in the back yard.
• You’re not (You aren’t) a child! Act your age!
• The fans are not enthusiastic anymore; their team lost the championship match.

Incorrect: His dogs’re not mean.

 

 

Exercise

Respond to the following statements with yes, no, true, false, not true, I agree, I disagree; in the middle, some, sometimes, most, mostly, maybe, usually, sometimes, in a way, it depends. Say why and give examples. Make corrections if necessary.

4:30 am. The restaurants, shops and parks in my city are great. Yes or no? What are your favorite restaurants, shops and parks?

6:00 am. My friends and I are keen on adventure movies. We like adventure films. True or false?

8:15 am. History, politics and economics are fascinating (interesting) subjects. They are very interesting.

9:45 am. Cakes, pies, donuts, pastries, french fries, chips (crisps), cookies, biscuits, candy (sweets), and cola are not very healthy. They are unhealthy. Are these foods very popular? What foods are healthy?

12 Noon. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are very boring. What do people do on weekends?

15:09; 3:09 pm. People in my city or town are not friendly. They are mean and unfriendly. Where are people friendly?

17:01; 5:01 pm. Computers, laptops, cell-phones, tablets and smart-phones are not cheap; they are expensive. How much do smartphones and laptops cost?

19:43; 7:43 pm. My parents are worried if I don’t come home early. They are worried if I stay out late.

22:26; 10:26 pm. Stray cats and dogs are very vicious. Or, stray cats and dogs are very gentle. Or both, in the middle, it depends?

12 Midnight. All my friends are boys, all my friends are girls, or my friends are both boys and girls.