Unraveling the Verb 'To Be'

Entering the Discovery Portal

Imagine that you are scrolling through your Instagram feed and suddenly come across a post from your favorite singer with the caption: 'I am so happy today!' or watching a live stream on TikTok where the creator says 'She is wonderful!'. If you understand these phrases, it's because you have already had some contact with the verb 'to be', one of the pillars of the English language. As you can see, the verb 'to be' is everywhere, from social media to the series you binge on Netflix. Let's explore a bit more about it?

Quizz: Have you ever wondered why the verb 'to be' appears so much in everything we see and hear in English? How about discovering how it can be so versatile and present in our daily lives?

Exploring the Surface

The verb 'to be' is undoubtedly one of the first lessons for anyone starting to learn English. It is essential because it plays a key role in constructing fundamental sentences in the language. Whether to say who you are, how you are feeling, or what you are doing, the verb 'to be' is always present. The phrase 'I am a student', for example, is a classic that every student starts using early on. But why is it so important?

Let's understand a bit more. The verb 'to be' is used to express existence, states, and conditions. It can be conjugated in the present, past, and future, taking different forms such as 'am,' 'is,' and 'are' in the present, or 'was' and 'were' in the past. This makes understanding it crucial for formulating correct and understandable sentences in English. Imagine trying to describe an event without being able to use 'I am,' 'you are,' or 'she is'; it would be almost impossible!

Furthermore, the verb 'to be' is extremely versatile, appearing in various forms and contexts. It is used in affirmative, negative, and interrogative sentences. For example: 'She is happy' (affirmative), 'She is not happy' (negative), and 'Is she happy?' (interrogative). Knowing how to use these different forms allows you to communicate more efficiently and naturally in English, whether walking the streets of London, interacting with foreigners on social media, or playing your favorite video game with people from around the world.

The Basics of the Verb 'To Be'

Before we dive into the super adventures of the verb 'to be', let's come down from our rocket and understand the basics, okay? Imagine the verb 'to be' as that comfortable pair of flip-flops you wear at home: it's always there to support you in various situations. In the present tense, it transforms into the words 'am,' 'is,' and 'are.' For example, 'I am' (I am), 'She is' (She is), 'They are' (They are). These forms are fundamental for starting to structure your sentences as if you were assembling a puzzle.

Great, now that you know the verb 'to be' is multifaceted like the chameleon of the group, let's delve a bit deeper. It doesn't just say 'I am' or 'He is,' but also takes part in more complex constructions like 'I am happy' and 'They are friends.' So, you've seen that 'to be' doesn't come alone to the party? It always shows up accompanied by an adjective or another piece of information that complements the sentence. A good example of use is 'My friends are amazing,' where 'are' shows that the friends are on the VIP list of compliments!

Close your eyes and think of the last series you watched (or not, because then you can't read). Remember a scene where someone said something like 'He is a doctor' or 'We are ready'? In these cases, the verb 'to be' is there, present and active, showing the existence or state of things. It doesn't matter if you're describing who you are ('I am a student') or how you feel ('I am tired'); it is always the main character. And don't worry, the verb 'to be' doesn't intend to take your place as the protagonist; it is more like the best friend who is there to help you shine in the English language!

Proposed Activity: Digital Treasure Hunt

Now that you have a good grasp of the basic forms of 'to be', switch to detective mode and look for examples of sentences with these forms on your favorite social media. Find posts or tweets and write down at least three different sentences using 'am,' 'is,' and 'are.' Then, post your findings in the class's WhatsApp group and discuss with your classmates the uses you found. Who knows, you might discover the best examples of the month!

Affirmatives, Negatives, and Interrogatives: The Three Faces of 'To Be'

Ready to see the verb 'to be' transform more times than a circus magic trick? So, check it out: it is not only affirmative, where we say everything that is and is not, but it also becomes negative and interrogative. Let's take it step by step, as the infamous Jack would say. With affirmative sentences, you simply say 'I am a student.' But what if the vibe is sour? Just make the verb negative with a simple 'not': 'I am not a student.' Simple and effective, like a good British tea!

But of course, how to turn a friendly sentence into an intriguing question with the verb 'to be'? Ah, the magic of interrogatives! Just swap the subject and the verb. 'Are you a student?' (Are you a student?), 'Is she happy?' (Is she happy?). Did you notice how just a little switcheroo changes everything? Here comes that detective vibe, using 'to be' to uncover everything about what's going on. So, be investigative in your questioning and show off your linguistic power.

Let’s go, show that you are versatile. For example, at school, you can assert 'We are students.' But if you have a doubt, just jump straight in with 'Are we students?'. And no, I’m not suggesting you have an existential crisis in class, but this interrogative skill is key to engaging in conversations where key questions are important. Now, I bet you’re feeling a little more powerful with this ability to transform your sentences into questions and negatives, right?

Proposed Activity: Sentence Transformation

Time to get creative! Write three affirmative sentences, three negatives, and three interrogative sentences using the verb 'to be'. It can be about you, your friends, or even your pet. Then, share these sentences in the class forum and evaluate your classmates' sentences. Add funny comments and see who can come up with the most creative sentences!

Alphabetical Metamorphosis: The Conjugations of 'To Be'

Get ready to dive into the world of conjugations of the verb 'to be', where it transforms more times than a neurotic chameleon! In the present, you already know your best friends: 'am,' 'is,' and 'are.' Like in 'I am,' 'You are,' and 'She is.' They are like the sacred trinity of English and will always be by your side. But did you know that 'to be' has a built-in time machine? Yes, it also jumps to the past, transforming into 'was' and 'were.' Sounds magical? No, it’s pure grammar.

So, let’s break down these time nuggets: when we say 'I was,' we’re talking about the past: 'I was a kid' (I was a child). And when we want to talk about many of us, we use 'were': 'We were students' (We were students). Knowing these past forms is like having a memory archive of what has already happened. Cool, right? Whenever you want to recall or tell a story from the past, 'was' and 'were' are your best friends.

And the future? Ah, the dear and mysterious future. Even though the verb 'to be' needs a little help from 'will' to travel back in time in that direction ('will be'), it remains crucial. For example, 'I will be there' (I will be there) and 'They will be happy' (They will be happy). So really, 'to be' is like a doctor of time travel in English grammar, gliding through past, present, and future without any problems. And knowing this trick is essential for any aspiring English master.

Proposed Activity: Time Travel with 'To Be'

Choose an old photo of yourself and describe what was happening using the past form of the verb 'to be'. Then, imagine the same situation in the future and write how it would be. Post these descriptions in the class WhatsApp group and see how your classmates describe their situations. Compare the different scenarios and have fun with this grammar time travel!

Getting in the Game: Using 'To Be' in Games and Social Media

Have you noticed that the verb 'to be' is present even in your favorite games and social media? Don’t believe it? Remember that time when playing 'The Sims,' your avatar was 'very happy'? That’s right, it was using the good old 'to be'! So, the next time you’re building your dream house or cooking something in the game, pay attention to the verb 'to be'. Whether affirming your happiness ('to be happy') or denying that your Sim is hungry ('not to be hungry'), it is always out there.

Now, let’s take a peek into the world of social media. Hashtags like '#IAmHappy,' '#SheIsAmazing,' and '#TheyAreHere' are super used to express feelings and facts. When BTS posts on Twitter 'We are excited,' they’re calling all fans to unite and celebrate the moment. Isn’t it fantastic how even big celebrities trust the verb 'to be' to express themselves? And you can do the same, using this verb to share your vibe with the world!

And not only does the verb 'to be' convey happiness; after all, not every day is sunny. You can say 'I am not feeling well' and your friends will know it’s not a party day. Or how about asking 'Are you okay?' when someone is too quiet in the chat? 'To be' is an essential tool for any social interaction, whether in games, social media, or real life. And the coolest part is, with it, you connect in English with anyone, anywhere in the world.

Proposed Activity: Verb 'To Be' on Social Media

Choose one of your most recent posts or create a new one for social media, using the verb 'to be' creatively. It could be a tweet, an Instagram caption, or even a short video on TikTok. Then, share the post in the class forum and see your classmates’ creations. Don't forget to play around with the hashtags to make everything more fun!

Creative Studio

In the present it is am, is and are, In social media, always shining bright. If in the past you want to recall, Was and were will help you at all. And to wish for the future ahead, Will be is the verb to be said!

Affirmatives say what is true, Negatives bring reality into view, Interrogatives search for replies, Verb 'to be' is pure versatility rise!

On TikTok and Instagram in full swing, 'That vibe', even BTS will bring, In games, hashtags or to celebrate, 'We are happy', all will relate!

So always remember, our faithful friend, The verb 'to be' works magic till the end, Whether in English or the digital sphere, Its use is basic but fundamental, we cheer!

Reflections

• Why does the verb 'to be' appear so much on social media and the media we consume daily?
• How do the affirmative, negative, and interrogative forms of the verb 'to be' help construct a more complete and effective communication?
• In what way can the learning of the verb 'to be' facilitate your interaction with English content, whether in movies, series, or even in influencer posts?
• What is the importance of understanding the conjugations of the verb 'to be' in the present, past, and future to tell stories and describe situations?
• How can group collaboration and the use of digital tools enrich your understanding of the verb 'to be'?

Your Turn...

Reflection Journal

Write and share with your class three of your own reflections on the topic.

Systematize

Create a mind map on the topic studied and share it with your class.

Conclusion

Now that you have explored the secrets of the verb 'to be', it's time to put this knowledge into practice! Use your social media as a laboratory, create sentences, ask questions, and interact with the world around you. This is the best way to internalize what you’ve learned and prepare for the active class, where you will explore even more of the 'to be' universe with practical and collaborative activities.

When you're in class, remember to use everything we've analyzed in this chapter, from the conjugations to the affirmative, negative, and interrogative forms. This knowledge will be your foundation to shine in discussions and activities of the day. Prepare your best sentences, your doubts, and your discoveries because the class will be full of interactions and challenges where everyone can grow together.

With this preparation, you are ready to lead discussions and help your classmates understand the importance of this verb in the English language. Study, have fun, and let the verb 'to be' be your companion on this learning journey!