explain how the verb "to be" works (english) (7)

1 Name: Anonymous Linguist : 2007-09-11 05:45 ID:A70cNP6y

i'm really confused!

2 Name: Anonymous Linguist : 2007-09-11 06:39 ID:Heaven

Well, you have no trouble with "I am" and even its contraction.

3 Name: Anonymous Linguist : 2007-09-11 20:57 ID:VtY39ep/

to be usually is followed by an infinitive, an -ing verb.

hope that helps.

4 Name: Anonymous Linguist : 2007-09-11 21:14 ID:ZBYShr/o

>>3

Lies lies and more lies, it depends on what you want to say, it can also be followed by the past participle form of a verb. Anyway, I'm still thinking about how to explain it.

5 Name: Anonymous Linguist : 2007-09-12 07:31 ID:ZBYShr/o

Alright, I'll give it a try:

When to be is followed by a verb then it is meant to explain the situation of the noun:

Example 1: She is mowing the lawn

tells you what she does at this moment

Example 2: He was perplexed by the question

Tells you the situation of that guy in the past

Example 3: The tickets will be sold out by the time you get there

Tells you the situation of the tickets in the future

This verb is particularly complex as well as important, I'm still not sure what you mean by explaining it but I hope this has helped you.

6 Name: Anonymous Linguist : 2007-09-12 13:24 ID:A70cNP6y

ah! i understand now. thank you!

7 Name: Anonymous Linguist : 2007-09-13 03:39 ID:XPscfzNA

What, no Hamlet?
What's wrong with you people?

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