General English A1 · Lesson 1B

Grammar Bank

The rules behind this lesson — form, use, model sentences and the mistakes to avoid.

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Grammar focus of this lesson

be: questions, negatives and short answers

2 structures

Verb be (am / is / are)
We use be to say who or what somebody is, and how they feel.
I've got this
Rules & form
- ›I am · you/we/they are · he/she/it is.
- ›Negative: add not → I'm not, she isn't, they aren't.
- ›Question: put be first → Are you ready? Is she Brazilian?
- ›Short answers: Yes, I am. / No, she isn't.
Examples
- “I'm Ana and I'm from São Paulo.”
- “She isn't at home — she's at work.”
- “Are you tired? Yes, I am.”
Watch out · Don't say “I have 30 years”. Use be for age: I'm 30 years old.
Your own example
Question forms and short answers
The word order that makes every English question work.
I've got this
Rules & form
- ›(Wh-) + auxiliary + subject + main verb: Where do you work?
- ›With be, invert: Are you free? Was it useful?
- ›Short answers repeat the auxiliary: Yes, I do. / No, she isn't.
- ›Question tags check information: You're new here, aren't you?
Examples
- “How long have you worked here?”
- “What time does the call start?”
- “You've met Ana, haven't you?”
Watch out · Never keep statement order: Where you work? ✗
Your own example