Sentences Using "Is", "Am" or "Are"

When to Use "Is", "Am", or "Are"

In English, we use the words is, am, and are to tell what someone or something is doing or being right now. These are special helping verbs that must match the subject (the person or thing) of your sentence.

The Matching Rules Think of these words as puzzle pieces. Only certain pieces fit together!

1. Use "Am" for Me The word Am is very shy. It only ever hangs out with the word I.

• Sentence: I am a student.
• Sentence: I am eating an apple.

2. Use "Is" for One (Singular) We use Is when we are talking about one person, animal, or thing. It works with He, She, It, or a single name.

• Sentence: He is my friend.
• Sentence: The dog is barking.
• Sentence: Sara is happy.

3. Use "Are" for Many (Plural) We use Are when we are talking about more than one person or thing. It also always goes with the word You (even if you are only talking to one person).

• Sentence: We are going to the park.
• Sentence: The birds are flying.
• Sentence: You are very kind.

How to Check Your Sentence If you aren't sure which one to use, look at the subject and count!

1. Is it just me? Use Am.
2. Is it just one thing? Use Is.
3. Is it more than one? Use Are.

The Trick: If you see an -s at the end of the noun (like dogs or boys), you usually need Are!

Why Do We Learn This?

• Correct Speaking: It helps you sound clear when you talk to your friends and teachers.
• Better Writing: Using the right "puzzle piece" makes your sentences strong and easy to understand.

Lesson Summary

• I am
• He/She/It is
• You/We/They are