Be Verb in Present Tense: 3 Facts You Should Know

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The “be” verb exists in many forms across different kinds of tenses.

The ‘be’ verb in present tense showcases the action of being of a certain person in the present time.

Let’s take a deeper look into the Be Verb in Present Tense with the help of facts and examples.

Forms of be verb used in present tense

Following are the forms of the ‘be’ verb used in present tense:-

  1. Infinitive- Be
  2. Present participle- Being
  3. Simple Present Tense- Am, Is, Are
  4. Present Perfect Tense- Been
  5. Present Continuous Tense- Be + Verb + Ing

Let us take a look at a few examples.

SentencesExplanations
1.     He will be a rock star.Here, in the given example, the word ‘be’ is an infinitive.
2.     They are being difficult.In the mentioned sentence, the word ‘being‘ is an example of present participle.
3.     She is an amazing mother.In this written statement, the verb ‘is’ is an example of the ‘be’ verb in simple present tense.
4.     We have been stopped by the cops.Here, in the given example, the words ‘have been stopped’ are an example of present perfect tense.
5.     The kids are lying about their bedtime.In the mentioned sentence, the words ‘are lying‘ are an example of present continuous tense.
“Be” verb forms in present tense.

How are be verbs used in present tense?

Let us discuss how ‘be’ verbs can be used in present tense.

Be Verbs are used in present tense by using its form that works only in the context of the present time.

Example:- I am the winner of this competition.

In the above written statement, the verb ‘am‘ is an example of the ‘be’ verb in simple present tense.

As one can see that the verb has been used as it is without being followed by another main verb.

When are be verbs used in present tense?

Let us explore when ‘be’ verbs can be used in present tense.

Be Verbs are used in present tense when the need arises for the be verb in its present form and to refer to someone’s or something’s action in the present.

Example:- She has been selected for the role.

In the above given example, the words ‘has been selected‘ are an example of present perfect tense.

In such cases the words have/had are usually followed by the word ‘been’ and then a past participle.

Formula and structure to use be verbs in present tense

Let us explore the formula and structure of the ‘be’ verb in multiple forms of present tenses.

TenseFormula/StructureExampleExplanation
Simple Present Tense‘Am’, ‘Is’ and ‘Are’ are used as it is without being followed by a root word.They are perfect for the part.In this written statement, the verb ‘are‘ is an example of the ‘be’ verb in simple present tense.
As one can see that the verb has been used as it is without being followed by another main verb.
Present Perfect TenseHave + Been + Past ParticipleI have been recruited for the new job.Here, in the given example, the words ‘have been recruited‘ are an example of present perfect tense.
In such cases the words have/had are usually followed by the word ‘been’ and then a past participle.
Present Continuous Tense‘Am’, ‘Is’ or ‘Are’+ Verb + IngI am climbing the steps now.In the mentioned sentence, the words ‘am climbing‘ are an example of present continuous tense.
Such can be denoted by the fact that the ‘be’ form is followed by a verb with an ‘ing’ at its end.

Examples of be verbs used in simple present tense

Let us take a look at a few examples of simple present tense.

Sentences Explanations
1.     I am in college now.In this written statement, the verb ‘am‘ is an example of the ‘be’ verb in simple present tense.
2.     She is at the location.In this written statement, the verb ‘is‘ is an example of the ‘be’ verb in simple present tense.
3.     We are just three hours away.In this written statement, the verb ‘are‘ is an example of the ‘be’ verb in simple present tense.
4.     I am here for my certificate.In this written statement, the verb ‘am‘ is an example of the ‘be’ verb in simple present tense.
5.     The child is five years old and the parents are both thirty years old.In this written statement, the verb ‘is‘  and ‘are’ are examples of the ‘be’ verb in simple present tense.
“Be” Verb in Simple Present Tense

Examples of be verbs used in present perfect tense

Let us take a look at a few examples of present perfect tense.

   

Sentences Explanations
1.     The car has been parked in the lot by me.Here, in the given example, the words ‘has been parked‘ are an example of present perfect tense.
2.     The kids have been grounded by their parents for being mischievous.Here, in the given example, the words ‘have been grounded‘ are an example of present perfect tense.
3.     My sister has been taken to the hospital as she fainted.Here, in the given example, the words ‘has been taken‘ are an example of present perfect tense.
4.     The newly uncovered fossils have been looked at by the archaeologists.Here, in the given example, the words ‘have been looked‘ are an example of present perfect tense.
5.     We have been given the freedom to do whatever we want.Here, in the given example, the words ‘have been given‘ are an example of present perfect tense.
“Be” Verb in Present Perfect Tense

Examples of be verbs used in present continuous tense

Let us take a look at a few examples of present continuous tense.

Sentences Explanations
1.     I am preparing for my exam tomorrow.In the mentioned sentence, the words ‘am preparing‘ are an example of present continuous tense.
2.     The children are growing way too quickly.In the mentioned sentence, the words ‘are growing‘ are an example of present continuous tense.
3.     The man is skating in the park.In the mentioned sentence, the words ‘is skating‘ are an example of present continuous tense.
4.     I am dancing in my room.In the mentioned sentence, the words ‘am dancing‘ are an example of present continuous tense.
5.     She is singing and the rest are acting in the play.In the mentioned sentence, the words ‘is singing‘  and ‘are acting’ are examples of present continuous tense.
“Be” Verb in Present Continuous Tense

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that the ‘be’ form in present tense functions in a tedious and nuanced manner and needs to be used carefully while being employed in spoken or written language.