be - Definition & Meaning | Lingo Dictionary

be

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

Examples

Today is her birthday.
Sarah is a talented artist.
The movie was entertaining.

1 / 8

be

Third Person

is

Present Participle

being

Past Tense

was

Past Participle

been

1

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

Today is her birthday.
Sarah is a talented artist.
The movie was entertaining.
The car is red and sleek.
'Who's that girl?''She's my cousin.'

2

to have an existence

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.
Was there a delay in the flight schedule?
There are plenty of opportunities for improvement.

Synonyms:

3

to happen or take place

The graduation ceremony will be in the auditorium.
The annual festival is in July.
The conference is at the convention center next month.
Our team meetings are usually in the boardroom.
The seminar is on Monday morning.

Synonyms:

happen take place occur fall

4

used for talking about time

It's five minutes past nine.
It was early morning when the ceremony started.
It's midnight, and the city is quiet.
It's 3:45 in the afternoon.
It was twilight when they reached the mountain summit.

Synonyms:

5

used for talking about the weather

It is sunny and warm at the beach today.
Why is it so foggy near the mountains?
It was cloudy this morning.
The forecast predicts that it will be windy tomorrow.
It's freezing cold, so bundle up before going out.

6

used in the perfect tenses to mean to go or visit

Have you ever been to Paris?
She hasn't been to the museum since it reopened.
We've never been to Asia, but we'd love to visit someday.
I haven't been to the beach in ages.
Has he been to the new restaurant downtown?

Synonyms:

7

used to express what someone has said

She was all, "I can't believe you didn'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."
She was all, "I never expected such positive feedback."
When confronted with the challenge, she was all, "We can overcome this!"

Synonyms:

8

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

She is working on a new project.
We will be waiting for you at the airport.
They are discussing the upcoming event.
The team is preparing for the upcoming match.
Are you writing your thesis for the conference?