Uses of 'be' in the simple present and simple past

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

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