Is, Am, Are
Videos and songs to help First Grade kids learn how and when to use “is”, “am” and “are.
“Am,” “is,” and “are” are forms of the verb “to be” in the present tense. They are used as both linking verbs (connecting a subject to a description) and auxiliary (helping) verbs (forming continuous tenses).
When to use am, is, and are?
- “Am”
“Am” is used exclusively with the first-person singular pronoun “I."
Examples:
I am a student.
I am tired.
I am walking to the store. (Present Continuous)
- “Is”
“Is” is used with:
Third-person singular pronouns: “he,” “she,” and “it."
Singular nouns (one person, place, thing, or idea).
Examples:
He is tall.
She is a doctor.
It is raining.
The cat is sleeping.
My house is big.
- “Are”
“Are” is used with:
The second-person pronoun “you” (this is the same whether “you” is singular or plural).
The plural pronouns “we” and “they."
Plural nouns (two or more people, places, things, or ideas).
Examples:
You are kind. (Singular you)
You are all invited. (Plural you)
We are friends.
They are playing soccer.
The books are on the table.
My parents are visiting.
The following diagram gives a summary of when to use “is”, “am” and “are”. Scroll down the page for more examples.
Two Main Functions:
- Linking Verb: Connects the subject to a description or state of being.
Example: She is beautiful. (Links “she” to the adjective “beautiful”)
Example: I am a writer. (Links “I” to the noun “writer”) - Helping Verb (Auxiliary Verb) in Continuous Tenses: Forms tenses that describe actions in progress.
Example: They are studying. (Present Continuous)
Example: He was sleeping. (Past Continuous)
Summary
am: I
is: he, she, it, singular nouns
are: you, we, they, plural nouns
Knowing this distinction is fundamental for constructing grammatically correct sentences in English.
Am, Is, Are
The Verb to Be
Am, Is & Are
What’s the difference?
Learn with examples & quiz
To be
Past & Present Tense
Affirmative Sentences
Types of Verbs
Action Verbs
Is, Am, Are
Has, Have
Spelling Rules for Verbs
Adding -ed
Irregular Verbs
Adding -ing
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