Mastering the To Be Verb: worksheet for 2nd grade

In English grammar, one of the most essential building blocks is the to be verb. This verb is crucial for forming sentences that describe things, people, and situations. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, understanding how the “to be” verb works can significantly improve your speaking and writing skills. The “to be” verb includes the forms: am, is, are, was, were, be, been, and being. Each form serves a different purpose depending on the tense, subject, and context of the sentence. In this article, we will explore the different uses of the “to be” verb, its importance, and common questions related to it.

2nd Grade “To be” verb worksheet

Fill in the Gaps: Am, Is, Are

1. I ___ happy.
2. She ___ my friend.
3. He ___ tall.
4. We ___ at school.
5. They ___ playing.
6. The cat ___ cute.
7. You ___ a student.
8. It ___ a dog.
9. I ___ hungry.
10. She ___ dancing.
11. We ___ friends.
12. He ___ running.
13. They ___ tired.
14. The book ___ new.
15. You ___ funny.
16. It ___ raining.
17. I ___ reading.
18. She ___ singing.
19. He ___ my brother.
20. We ___ learning.
21. They ___ excited.
22. The sky ___ blue.
23. You ___ smart.
24. It ___ sunny.
25. I ___ ready.
26. She ___ kind.
27. He ___ my cousin.
28. We ___ happy.
29. They ___ laughing.
30. The dog ___ barking.
31. You ___ strong.
32. It ___ cold.
33. I ___ writing.
34. She ___ cooking.
35. He ___ sad.
36. We ___ students.
37. They ___ here.
38. The car ___ fast.
39. You ___ my friend.
40. It ___ hot.
41. I ___ okay.
42. She ___ there.
43. He ___ quiet.
44. We ___ tired.
45. They ___ working.
46. The cake ___ sweet.
47. You ___ there.
48. It ___ fun.
49. I ___ small.

50. She ___ pretty.

 

Worksheet: 1

 

Worksheet: 2

 

 

 

 

What is the “To Be” Verb?

The “to be” verb is a linking verb that connects the subject of a sentence with a description or status. It is not an action verb, but instead, it shows existence, identity, or a state of being. The forms of the “to be” verb can change based on the subject and the tense of the sentence.

For example:

• I am happy. (Present tense)
• He is a teacher. (Present tense)
• They were excited. (Past tense)

In each of these sentences, the “to be” verb links the subject to an adjective or noun that describes the subject.

How Do We Use the “To Be” Verb?

The “to be” verb is extremely versatile, and it has many different uses in English. Let’s break down the most common ones:

1. To Show Existence
   The “to be” verb is often used to show that something exists or is present.
   • There is a book on the table.
   • There are many students in the class.
2. To Describe a State of Being
   The “to be” verb helps us describe how something or someone is feeling or existing in a certain state.
   • She is tired.
   • The sky was cloudy.
3. To Indicate Identity or Role
   It can also link a subject to its identity or role.
   • He is a doctor.
   • They are my friends.
4. To Form Progressive Tenses
   The “to be” verb is used with the main verb to form the continuous or progressive tenses, indicating an action that is in progress.
   • I am studying right now.
   • She was walking to the store.

Commonly Asked Questions about the “To Be” Verb

What are the different forms of the “to be” verb?

The “to be” verb has several forms depending on the subject and tense. Here are the most common forms:

• Present tense: am, is, are
  • I am, you are, he/she/it is, we are, they are
• Past tense: was, were
  • I/he/she/it was, you/we/they were
• Past participle: been
  • She has been there before.
• Present participle: being
  • The cake is being baked.

How do I know when to use “am,” “is,” or “are”?

The correct form of the “to be” verb depends on the subject of the sentence:

• Am is used with the subject I.
  • Example: I am happy.
• Is is used with singular third-person subjects like he, she, it.
  • Example: She is playing.
• Are is used with plural subjects or with the second-person singular you.
  • Example: They are working.
  • Example: You are nice.

Can the “to be” verb be used in questions?

Yes, the “to be” verb is often used at the beginning of a question to ask about a state or identity.

• Is he your brother?
• Are they coming to the party?

In questions, the form of the “to be” verb changes depending on the subject and tense, just like in statements.

Why is the “to be” verb so important in English?

The “to be” verb is one of the most important verbs in English because it allows us to express essential information about existence, identity, and states of being. It is used in everyday conversation, formal writing, and storytelling. Without it, forming clear and correct sentences would be difficult.

What are some common mistakes when using the “to be” verb?

Some common mistakes when using the “to be” verb include:

• Using the wrong form of the verb based on the subject (e.g., She are happy instead of She is happy).
• Forgetting to use “to be” in questions (e.g., He happy? instead of Is he happy?).
• Mixing up tenses (e.g., I was study instead of I was studying).

By practicing and understanding these mistakes, you can improve your grammar and communicate more effectively in English.

Conclusion

The to be verb is a fundamental part of English grammar that every learner must master. It links subjects to descriptions, identities, and states of being, and it is essential for forming questions, making statements, and expressing actions in progress. By familiarizing yourself with the various forms and uses of the “to be” verb, you will become more confident in your ability to construct grammatically correct and clear sentences.