verb · neutral

be

/biː/BE

Band 5-6speakingtask2

linking verb used to describe identity, state, location, or condition

Examples

She is the class representative this year.

The library was closed when I arrived.

They have been very helpful throughout the project.

Band 8 sentence

Although renewable energy currently occupies a small share of the market, it is steadily becoming more economically competitive.

Collocations

  • be responsible for
  • be located in
  • be aware of

Word family

be base verbam / is / are presentwas / were pastbeen past participlebeing present participle

Common mistakes

He be late yesterday.He was late yesterday.

I am interesting in art.I am interested in art.

Say it for a higher band

5stay6be7+be

Synonyms

exist

Easily confused

exist

Many species no longer exist in this region.

Related words

Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.

In Irregular forms

Learn it with its set