/biː/

/bi/

Definition & Meaning of "be"

to be

VERB

used when naming, or giving description or information about people, things, or situations

Linking Verb: to be [adj] | to be sb/sth | to be to do sth

Example

Today is her birthday.

Sarah is a talented artist.

The movie was entertaining.

1.1

used for saying what something is made of

Linking Verb: to be particular constituent parts or material

Example

The cake is three layers of deliciousness.

Is your table solid wood?

The building is a mix of brick and concrete.

1.2

to express equality between things

Linking Verb: to be sth

Example

Two plus two is four.

Let y be the product of p and q.

Seventy divided by ten is seven.

1.3

used for talking about the cost of something

cost

come to

Linking Verb: to be a particular price

Example

' What 's the price of the coffee machine?'

The tomatoes are $ 2 per pound.

' How much are these earrings? ' ' They 're $ 30 each.'

1.4

used for indicating who owns something or who it is meant for

Linking Verb: to be for sb | to be someone's

Example

The car in the driveway is Mary 's; the other one is mine.

This book is for Tim.

The keys on the table are yours; I found them in the living room.

1.5

used for indicating how great the importance of something is to someone

Linking Verb: to be sth | to be [adj]

Example

Family was everything to me.

Success is nothing without fulfillment in one's personal life.

Honesty is everything in a healthy relationship.

to happen or take place

Intransitive: to be somewhere | to be point in time

Example

The graduation ceremony will be in the auditorium.

The annual festival is in July.

The conference is at the convention center next month.

to have an existence

Linking Verb: to be sb/sth

Example

Is there a solution to this complex problem?

There 's a rumor circulating about the new project.

There 's an interesting story behind that old painting.

3.1

to occupy a place

lie

Intransitive: to be somewhere

Example

Once upon a time, there was a little cottage in the woods.

The park is across the street.

There 's an ancient castle on top of the hill.

3.2

to have a presence

Intransitive: to be somewhere

Example

Is there a doctor in the house?

There is a teacher in the classroom helping students with their assignments.

Is there a leader among us who can guide the discussion?

used for talking about time

Linking Verb: to be a specific time | to be [adj]

Example

It 's five minutes past nine.

It was early morning when the ceremony started.

It 's midnight, and the city is quiet.

used for talking about the weather

Linking Verb: to be [adj]

Example

It is sunny and warm at the beach today.

Why is it so foggy near the mountains?

It was cloudy this morning.

used in the perfect tenses to mean to go or visit

Intransitive: to be somewhere

Example

Have you ever been to Paris?

She has n't been to the museum since it reopened.

We 've never been to Asia, but we'd love to visit someday.

6.1

used in the perfect tenses to mean to come or visit

Intransitive

Example

The plumber has been to repair the leaky faucet.

Has the cleaning service been to tidy up the house?

Has the delivery person been to drop off the package?

used to express what someone has said

Example

She was all, " I ca n't believe you did n't tell me about the party! "

When I suggested a road trip, he was like, " That sounds amazing! "

During the meeting, the manager was like, " We need to improve our efficiency. "

(auxiliary) used with the present participle form of a verb in forming progressive tenses

Example

She is working on a new project.

We will be waiting for you at the airport.

They are discussing the upcoming event.

8.1

(auxiliary) used with the past participle form of a verb when forming the passive voice

Example

The book was read by thousands of people.

The decision was made by the committee.

The movie will be released next month.

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Definition & Meaning of "be"

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