be

Universal Words verb, auxiliary verb verb 1 linking verb [V-N] there is / are to exist; to be present: Is there a God? * Once upon a time there was a princess... * I tried phoning but there was no answer. * There's a bank down the road. * Was there a pool at the hotel? 2 [V+adv./prep.] to be situated; to be in a place: The town is three miles away. * If you're looking for your file, it's on the table. * Mary's upstairs. 3 [V+adv./prep.] to happen at a time or in a place: The party is on Friday evening. * The meetings are always in the main conference room. 4 [V+adv./prep.] to remain in a place: She has been in her room for hours. * They're here till Christmas. 5 [V+adv./prep.] to attend an event; to be present in a place: I'll be at the party. * He'll be here soon (= will arrive soon). 6 [V+adv./prep.] (only used in the perfect tenses) to visit or call: I've never been to Spain. * He had been abroad many times. * (BrE) Has the postman been yet? * (AmE) Has the mailman come yet? 7 [V] ~ from... used to say what sb's native country, home town, etc. is: She's from Italy. 8 linking verb used when you are naming people or things, describing them or giving more information about them: [V-N] Today is Monday. * 'Who is that?' 'It's my brother.' * She's a great beauty. * Susan is a doctor. * He wants to be (= become) a pilot when he grows up. * [V-ADJ] It's beautiful! * Life is unfair. * He is ten years old. * 'How are you?' 'I'm very well, thanks.' * Be quick! * [V(that)] The fact is (that) we don't have enough money. * [V-ing, Vtoinf] The problem is getting it all done in the time available. * The problem is to get it all done in the time available. 9 linking verb it is / was used when you are describing a situation or saying what you think about it: [V-ADJ] It was really hot in the sauna. * It's strange how she never comes to see us any more. * He thinks it's clever to make fun of people. * [V-N] It would be a shame if you lost it. * It's going to be a great match. 10 linking verb it is / was used to talk about time: [V-N] It's two thirty. * [V-ADJ] It was late at night when we finally arrived. 11 linking verb [V-N] used to say what sth is made of: Is your jacket real leather? 12 linking verb [V] ~ mine, yours, etc