Learn English from A to Z

TO BE

Negatives and Questions

 The negative of “to be” is formed by placing not after the verb.

Original: I am a student.

Negative: I am not a student.

Questions with “to be” are formed by placing the verb before the subject.

Original: They are absent from class today.

Question: Are they absent from class today?

Question: Why are they absent from class today?

(Note that the verb is placed before the subject even with the presence of question words like ‘Why’)

Exercises

 A. Change the following sentences from affirmative to negative as in the example.

1. She is a teacher. (She is not a teacher.)
2. They are at home.
3. You are happy.
4. We are late.
5. He is my friend.
6. It is cold today.
7. I am interested in art.
8. You are in the right place.
9. They are ready for the test.
10. She is going to the party.

B. Change the sentences in Exercise A from statements to questions as in the example. 

1. She is a teacher. (Is she a teacher?)