Struggling to understand when to use 'is', 'am' and 'are'? This worksheet is specifically designed to help you learn the correct usage of these three common English words. With examples for every answer, you'll quickly master the basics of grammar and gain confidence in your writing.
Understand the Rules of “Is,” “Am” and “Are”.
To ensure you are using the right “is,” “am” or “are” in your sentence, identify the subject first. Then ask yourself if it is singular or plural. For example, if you see the word ‘they,' it is a plural pronoun, so ‘are’ would be the correct choice. Whereas when you see 'you,' a singular pronoun, then 'are' would be an incorrect choice and 'are' would be correct. Grammar rules are not hard to apply once mastered; practice makes perfect!
The words "is," "am," and
"are" are forms of the verb "to be" and are used to
indicate the present tense of a sentence.
"Is" is used with singular nouns and
pronouns, such as "he," "she," "it," or "the
cat."
"Am" is used only with "I" as
the subject.
"Are" is used with plural nouns and
pronouns, such as "they," "we," or "the cats."
Examples:
"She is a doctor."
"I am tired."
"We are ready to go."
The words "is," "am," and
"are" are used as auxiliary verbs to form various tenses of verbs.
They are also used as linking verbs to link the subject of a sentence to a
subject complement.
Here are some uses of "is,"
"am," and "are":
As auxiliary verbs:
"Is" is used to form the present tense,
such as in the sentence "She is walking to the store."
"Am" is used to form the first person
singular present tense, such as in the sentence "I am feeling happy
today."
"Are" is used to form the present tense
for second and third person plural, such as in the sentence "They are
playing soccer."
As linking verbs:
"Is" can be used as a linking verb,
connecting the subject of the sentence to a subject complement, such as in the
sentence "The sky is blue."
"Am" is used as a linking verb with the
subject "I," connecting the subject to a subject complement, such as
in the sentence "I am a student."
"Are" can be used as a linking verb for
plural subjects, connecting the subject to a subject complement, such as in the
sentence "The flowers are beautiful."
Use of Is, am and are
He/ she - can be a name of the person