Level Up Your Grammar: Intermediate Exercises for the Present Simple Tense

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Beyond “Am, Is, Are”: Unlocking the True Power of the Present Indefinite with ‘To Be’

Welcome, language learners! You’ve mastered the basics. You can confidently say, “I am a student,” or “She is from Italy.” But have you ever felt that the verbs am, is, and are are hiding a deeper secret? For intermediate learners, the real challenge isn’t just knowing the forms—it’s using them to express nuanced ideas, emotions, and permanent states.

This post is your guide to moving beyond the textbook and truly owning the Present Indefinite Tense with the verb ‘to be’. We’ll explore its unique rules, dive into engaging activities, and equip you with exercises to sound more natural and fluent.

Part 1: The “To Be” Refresher & Nuances

First, a quick recap. The verb “to be” is the chameleon of the English language. It doesn’t describe an action; it describes a state—who you are, what you’re like, where you are, or how you feel.

The Conjugation:

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

The Intermediate Twist: Understanding Permanent vs. Temporary States

At an intermediate level, you start to play with meaning. While “to be” often describes permanent facts (“The sky is blue”), it’s also used for temporary states, especially with adjectives.

  • Permanent: He is tall. (A general characteristic)
  • Temporary: He is tired. (A current state that will change)

This is a key distinction from action verbs and is crucial for natural expression.

Let's move from theory to practice. Try these activities alone or with a study buddy.

Activity 1: The "Two Truths and a Lie" Upgrade

You probably know this game. But let's add an intermediate twist.

  • How to play: Write down three statements about yourself using "am," "is," or "are." Two must be true, one must be a lie. The twist? You must include a mix of permanent and temporary states.
  • Example:
    1. "I am left-handed." (Permanent fact)
    2. "I am incredibly interested in astrophysics." (A lasting personality trait/interest)
    3. "I am feeling a little nervous about my presentation tomorrow." (A temporary state)
  • Why it works: This forces you to think about the nature of the state you're describing, moving beyond simple vocabulary.

Activity 2: The "Location Detective"

This activity sharpens your listening and deductive skills.

  • How to play: Listen to an English audio clip (a podcast, a movie scene, a song). Focus on sentences with "am," "is," or "are" that describe a location or state of being. Jot them down. Can you infer if the situation is permanent or temporary? What clues (like time words: currently, right now, these days) helped you?
  • Example: Hearing, "He isn't at his desk," implies a temporary absence. Hearing, "The Eiffel Tower is in Paris," is a permanent fact.

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Part 3: Comprehensive Exercises for Fluency

Time to test your skills. Don't just fill in the blanks—think about why you're choosing that answer.

Exercise 1: The State of Being Gap-Fill

Complete the sentences with the correct form of 'to be' (am, is, are). In the parentheses, note if the state is likely (P)ermanent or (T)emporary.

  1. I sure we can finish this project on time. ( )
  2. They not originally from this city; they just here for the summer. ( ), ()
  3. It common knowledge that water essential for life. ( ), ( )
  4. We all responsible for our own actions. ( )
  5. She at the library right now, so she probably very quiet. ( ), ( )

Rephrase the following sentences to give them a different nuance, using the verb 'to be'.
1. Original: He has a cold.
Rephrased (emphasize state): 

2.Original: This restaurant seems very expensive.
Rephrased (state it as a fact):

3. Original: I feel happy about the results.
Rephrased (alternative common phrasing):

*Write a short paragraph (5-6 sentences) describing your dream job. Use the verb 'to be' at least four times, and try to use it in both positive and negative forms.*
Example:
"My dream job is in the field of environmental science. I am passionate about protecting nature. The work is challenging but also very rewarding. The office isn't in a big city; it is probably near a forest or a coast. My colleagues are all dedicated and creative people."

The verb “to be” is your foundation for describing the world around you. By understanding its role in expressing states—both permanent and temporary—you add depth and precision to your English. Keep practicing, pay attention to how native speakers use it, and soon, “am, is, are” will become powerful tools in your linguistic toolkit.

Level up for ‘To Be’ by Doing More Exercises Here

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