be

/biː/
verbβ˜…Beginner
general

To exist or occur in a particular place or time

I will be there at 5 PM.

She is in the garden.

πŸ’‘

The verb 'be' is the most common verb in English and is used to describe states, locations, and identities.

general

To belong to a certain category or group

He is a doctor.

They are students.

general

To have a particular quality or characteristic

The weather is cold today.

This book is interesting.

Collocations

be able toto have the ability to do somethingbe about toto be on the point of doing somethingbe aware ofto know or understand something

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

be that as it mayidiom
regardless of what has been said
be on the ballidiom
to be alert and efficient

πŸ’‘Pro Tip

Mastering the Verb 'Be'

Practice using 'be' in different tenses and contexts to understand its versatility in English.

⚑Gold Rule

Irregular Verb Forms

Remember the different forms of 'be' in various tenses and contexts to ensure correct usage.

πŸ“–Word Origin

From Old English 'bΔ“on', from Proto-Germanic 'bijanan', meaning 'to be, exist'.

πŸ“Usage Notes

The verb 'be' is irregular and has different forms: am (I), is (he/she/it), are (we/you/they), was (past singular), were (past plural), been (past participle), being (present participle).

Word Breakdown

be
to exist or occur
root
✎ Noted on May 2, 2026EN β†’ EN