verb
To have a particular identity, name, job, or relationship.
She is a doctor.
That is my brother.
Common phrases & grammar
subject + be + noun
American English
How to pronounce be
verb · auxiliaryA1Very common word
BEE
/bi/
One syllable.
To have a particular identity, name, job, or relationship.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
verb
To have a particular quality, feeling, or condition.
I'm tired today.
The soup is hot.
Good to know
English uses be for many conditions that Spanish expresses with either ser or estar. Learn the English phrase together, such as “be tired.”
Common phrases & grammar
be ready · be sure · be afraid · be careful
subject + be + adjective
subject + be + adjective + to + verb
verb
To be in a particular place or position.
The keys are on the table.
We are at home.
Common phrases & grammar
be at home · be on time
subject + be + in/on/at + place
subject + be + here/there
verb
Used with there to say that something exists or is present.
There is a problem with the printer.
There are two seats left.
Good to know
In “there is” and “there are,” there does not mean a place. It introduces something that exists or is present.
Common phrases & grammar
there + be + a/an + noun
there + be + plural noun
Useful expressions
to plan or expect to do something in the future
I'm going to call her tonight.
to have the ability or opportunity to do something
She is able to work from home.
to be ready to do something very soon
The train is about to leave.
Related words & forms
beinggerundbeenpast participlewerepast with you, we, or theywaspast with I, he, she, or itampresent with Iarepresent with you, we, or theyispresent with he, she, or it
Be has irregular forms. Say “I am,” “he is,” and “you are”; in the past, use “was” with I/he/she/it and “were” with you/we/they.