Understanding the Auxiliary Verb "To Be"

The auxiliary verb "to be" is essential in English grammar. It helps form different tenses, passive voice, and continuous forms. Mastering its correct usage improves fluency and accuracy in both spoken and written English.

➤ What Is the Auxiliary Verb "To Be"?

The verb "to be" functions as an auxiliary verb (helping verb) that supports the main verb in forming various tenses and structures. It changes its form depending on the subject and tense.

Its present forms are am, is, are.
Its past forms are was, were.
Its future form is will be.
Its present participle form is being.
Its past participle form is been.

➤ Usage of "To Be" with Examples

✔ Forming the Continuous Tenses

The verb "to be" is used to form continuous (progressive) tenses by combining it with the present participle (-ing form) of the main verb.

• She is reading a book. (Present Continuous)

• They were watching TV. (Past Continuous)

• I will be traveling tomorrow. (Future Continuous)

✔ Forming the Passive Voice

The passive voice is created by using the correct form of "to be" + the past participle of the main verb.

• The cake was baked by my grandmother. (Past Passive)

• The project is completed on time. (Present Passive)

• A new school will be built next year. (Future Passive)

✔ Forming the Perfect Continuous Tenses

In perfect continuous tenses, "to be" is used in its past participle form (been) with "have" + a present participle (-ing form).

• She has been working here for five years. (Present Perfect Continuous)

• They had been studying before the teacher arrived. (Past Perfect Continuous)

✔ As a Linking Verb

Although "to be" is mainly an auxiliary verb, it can also act as a linking verb to connect the subject with a complement.

• She is a doctor.

• They are happy.

➤ Common Mistakes with "To Be" (With Corrections and Explanations)

❌ Mistake 1: Omitting "To Be" in Continuous Tenses

Incorrect: She going to the store.
Correct: She is going to the store.
Explanation: In continuous tenses, "to be" must be used before the -ing verb.

❌ Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Form of "To Be"

Incorrect: He were late for class.
Correct: He was late for class.
Explanation: "He" is singular, so we use "was" instead of "were".

❌ Mistake 3: Incorrect Use in Passive Voice

Incorrect: The book write by the author.
Correct: The book was written by the author.
Explanation: The passive form requires "to be" + past participle.

❌ Mistake 4: Forgetting "Been" in Perfect Continuous Tenses

Incorrect: They have working since morning.
Correct: They have been working since morning.
Explanation: The perfect continuous tense requires "have/has been" before the verb.

➤ 4 Exercises on the Auxiliary Verb "To Be"

✔ Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of "to be"

1. She ____ studying for her exam.

2. We ____ waiting for the bus when it started raining.

3. The new policy ____ introduced next month.

4. I ____ happy to see you!

✔ Exercise 2: Choose the correct form of "to be"

1. They (is/are) planning a trip to Paris.

2. She (was/were) excited about her new job.

3. The cake (is/was) being decorated by the chef.

4. We (have been/has been) working hard all week.

✔ Exercise 3: Correct the mistakes in these sentences

1. He been waiting for an hour. → Correct it: __________

2. The movie was watch by many people. → Correct it: __________

3. I am go to school every day. → Correct it: __________

4. They was talking when the phone rang. → Correct it: __________

✔ Exercise 4: Write sentences using "to be" in different tenses

• Present Continuous

• Past Passive

• Future Continuous

• Present Perfect Continuous