Beginner 🎯 Pronunciation & Mistakes · #7 of 111

Mistake: Missing Verb To Be

English needs a verb in every sentence.

Examples

  • Wrong: She tall. Right: She is tall.

Key rules

  • Every English sentence needs a finite verb, and describing a state usually requires be
  • Adjectives after a subject normally need be in the present or past
  • Do not leave the verb out in short answers

Common mistakes

  • She tall. → She is tall.
  • They happy. → They are happy.

Use cases

  • Describing a person
  • Writing short sentences in an exam
  • Speaking about feelings and states
💡 Tip: Say the sentence with is or are after the subject; if it sounds natural, you have the right structure.
Practise this topic in the appPractise Beginner quiz
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Related Beginner topics

See all Beginner pronunciation & mistakes lessons →

Alphabet and Letter Sounds

26 letters, 44 sounds.

Short Vowel Sounds

a, e, i, o, u in short words.

Long Vowel Sounds

Vowels that say their name.

Common Confusing Pair: Its vs It's

its = belonging; it's = it is.

Common Confusing Pair: Your vs You're

your = belonging; you're = you are.

Common Confusing Pair: There, Their, They're

place; belonging; they are.