THE VERB "BE"

185. The verb is perhaps the most difficult part of speech to master because it has more form changes than any other part of speech.

In this lesson we are going to emphasize the most important things to remember in the study of the verb and also call attention to the most common mistakes.

186. First, master that little verb be in all its forms. The only way to do this is to commit to memory these forms. Say them over and over until any other form does not sound right.

PresentPastFuture
SingularSingularSingular
1. I am.I was. I shall be.
2. You are.You were.You will be.
3. He is.He was.He will be.
PluralPluralPlural
1. We are.We were.We shall be.
2. You are.You were.You will be.
3. They are. They were.They will be.
Pres. Perf.Past Perf.Fut. Perf.
Have been.Had been.Shall have been.

187. Do not use aint for is not or am not. Do not say, He aint here, or I aint going. Say, He isn't here; I am not going.