Linking Irregular Verb "To Be”
While some verbs in the English Language show action like run, read, jump, other verbs do not show action. The non-action irregular verb in English is the verb that shows the state "To Be”.
The verb "To Be” says what I am, what you are or what something is. The verb to “To Be” shows the status or characteristics of something or someone.
| Root | Present Tense | Past Tense | Past Participle |
|---|---|---|---|
| be | is / am / are | was / were | been |
These "To Be” verbs link the subject in the sentence to the verb, they are linking verbs.
Verbs have different forms in the simple present tense depending on the number and person of the subject.
Verbs have different forms in the simple present tense depending on the number and person of the subject.
| Singular | Plural | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st person | I am | we are |
| 2nd person | you are (thou art) | you are |
| 3rd person | he /she /it is | they are |
Lessons on the linking verb "To Be” will teach you how to write them in the singular, (only one of something), and the plural, (more than one of something), all in present tense or present time.
| Singular | Plural |
|---|---|
| I am | we are |
| you are (thou art) | you are |
| he /she /it is | they are |
Non-Action verbs do not show action (the clue is in the name). Non-Action verbs are also called non-progressive verbs. They do not show physical activity or movement.
| hear | prefer | appreciate | hate | be | have |
| smell | forgive | believe | love | own | need |
| forget | belong to | understand | taste | see | want |
| think | have | remember | like | seem | know |
The two charts below include more examples of the verb "To Be".
Writing Tip: Do what you know first to reinforce your foundation of understanding. Your foundation will be a springboard for you to attack the more challenging work. Doing what you know helps to strengthen your confidence as well strengthen your basic sentence skills.