Be As An Auxiliary Verb

Be is a primary auxiliary verb. An auxiliary verb is used with other verbs to form various tense forms. The verb be mainly has seven forms – is, am, are, was, were, been and being.

When is, am, are, was and were are used with ing forms of other verbs, we get continuous tense forms.

Examples are given below.

• I am drawing a picture.
• He is reading a detective novel.
• She is getting ready for the shoot.
• They were waiting anxiously.
• He was making a clay model.

When is, am, are, was and were are used with the past participle forms of other verbs, we get passive verb forms.

• I was shocked by the news.
• They were terrified by the noise.
• He was shaken by the incident.
• I was bitten by the dog.
• We were invited to their party.
• It is known to us.
• I am convinced.

The form been is used with has, have or had to form passive forms of perfect tenses.

• He has been dismissed.
• She has been relieved of her duties.
• The results have been declared.
• The prizes have been distributed.

The form being is used to make the passive verb forms of continuous tenses.

• She is mopping the floor. (Present continuous tense – active voice)
• The floor is being mopped by her. (Present continuous tense – passive voice)
• They are watching the show.
• The show is being watched by them.

Worksheet

Fill in the blanks with an appropriate form of be.

1. We have …………………. waiting to hear from them.
2. He has ………………….. of great help to me.
3. It ………………… not my fault.
4. Why …………………… you looking so upset today?
5. Who ………………………. those people?
6. I …………………. your friend. You can trust me.
7. They ………………… thieves.
8. The robbers have ,…………………… caught.
9. The police ………………….. chasing the criminals.
10. I ………………….. looking forward to hearing from you.
11. They have ………………… notified of our decision.
12. The error has ………………….. rectified.

Answers

1. been, 2. been, 3. is, 4. are, 5. are, 6. am, 7. are, 8. been, 9. are, 10. am, 11. been, 12. been