We use the present and past of be when we are identifying people and things or giving information about them, and when we are talking about existence with There. [> 10.17]. For verbs related in meaning to be, such as seem, look, appear [> 10.23].
10.9.1 'Be' + names/nouns/pronouns: identification/information
Her name is/was Helen This is Tom That was Harry
Who's that? - It's me Who was that? It was Jane
Which one is Mary? ~ That's her on the left
The capital of England is London In the past it was Winchester
She is/was a doctor They are/were doctors
He is/was an American They are/were Americans
10.9.2 'Be' + adjective
(state) (mood, behaviour) (description, colour) (nationality) (weather) |
He is hungry They are hungry He was angry They were naughty She was tall Her eyes are green She is French They are French It was fine/wet/cold/windy
10.9.3 'Be' + adjective(s) + noun
He is an interesting man They are interesting men It is a blue jacket They are blue jackets