"How is that? an active verb?"
"Yes, sir."
"No, it is not. It is a neuter verb."
"Begging your pardon, master, it is not. It is active."
"Have I got to punish you again so soon, you impudent fellow. You are not fit to be in school. I will inform your parents of your conduct."
"What have I done that is wrong?"
"You say to be is an active verb, when I tell you, and the grammar and dictionary tell you, it is neuter!"
"What is a neuter verb, master?"
"It expresses 'neither action nor passion, but being or a state of being.' Have you forgotten it?"
"No, sir, I thought that was the case."