Item 1

The Forms and Functions 

Item 1       Verb-to be

F1                     F2             F3                             F4

        be

       am/is/are            being        was / were                 been

Did you know?

The infinite verb “be” is the root verb of the verb-to-be “am/is/are; being; was/were and been”.  The infinite verb does not show the time aspect and  always remains the same regardless of the tense.  For finite verbs, they are subjected to the change of time / have the tense to tell whether it is the present or the past. 

For examples:  the infinite verb ‘be’

When we talk to the second person, you, you may say:

Be + a noun phrase / adj / adv.+ F4

Be a good boy / girl.  (a noun phrase)

Be good.    (adj)     Don’t be bad.

Be punctual.  (adj)  Don’t be late. 

Be obedient.   Don’t be disobedient.

Be kind.  Don’t be cruel.

Be gentle.  Don’t be rude/ rough.

Be humble. 

Be quiet.

Don’t + be + adj.

Don’t be naughty.

Don’t be nasty

Don’t be fussy.

Don’t be nosey.

Be + adv. + F4

Be well-prepared (adv.+ F4)  (adjectival phrase)

Be self-disciplined and self-willed.

Future Continuous Tense
shall/will be F2
Tom will be singing in the concert tomorrow evening.