Definition and meaning of English word "be"
be
/biː/
Meaning
VerbAs an auxiliary verb: Used with past participles of verbs to form the passive voice.
How to use
The auxiliary verb 'be' is commonly used in formal and informal writing, as well as in spoken language. It is often employed in passive voice constructions, such as 'The ball was thrown by John.' However, learners of English may struggle with the distinction between the present and past continuous tenses, using 'be' incorrectly in sentences like 'I am going to the store now, but I was going to the store yesterday.'
🇬🇧 English
be
Example
I am happy.
He is a doctor.
Your personal vocabulary
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Common phrases
- be in a state— to be in a particular condition or situation
- be on the move— to be in the process of moving or traveling
- be in the air— to be in a state of uncertainty or ambiguity
- be on the scene— to be present or involved in a particular situation
- be in the know— to have knowledge or information about something
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #3 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "be" mean?▼
The English word "be" means "be" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "be"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "be" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "be"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "Used as a linking verb." (which translates as "be").
More Core Verbs words
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