Present Indefinite Tense: Intermediate Level Exercises for The Verb ‘To Be’

Exercise 1: Contextual Choice & Justification

Instructions:

Complete each sentence with the correct form of the verb ‘to be’ (am, is, are). Then, in the space provided, briefly explain why that form is correct by identifying the subject and the type of state

(e.g., permanent fact, temporary situation, plural subject, etc.).

The results of the experiment quite surprising.
- Why?
I certain that I left my keys on the counter.
- Why?
Both of my brothers engineers, but currently, they unemployed.
- Why?
There a lot of speculation about the company's future.
- Why?
The committee in agreement about the new policy.
- Why?
It I who was responsible for the mistake.
- Why?
The number of students in the class limited to twenty.
- Why?
You and I the only ones who know the secret.
- Why?
The police investigating the incident.
- Why?
One of my favorite things about summer the long, warm evenings.
- Why?
Neither the manager nor the employees happy with the new schedule.
- Why?
What we need now more time and resources.
- Why? _________________________________________________________

Exercise 2: Error Correction & Sentence Transformation

Part A: Error Correction
Instructions: Some of the following sentences contain a mistake in the use of the verb 'to be'. Identify the error and write the corrected sentence. If the sentence is correct, write "C."

The news are often depressing these days.
- Correction:

2.There is many reasons to be optimistic.

Correction

3. Her group of friends are very supportive.

Correction:

4. The staff is preparing for the big event.
Correction:

5. Where is the documents I need to sign?

Correction

Part B: Sentence Transformation
Instructions: Rewrite the following sentences using the verb 'to be' to give them a different structure or nuance, as shown in the example. The meaning should stay largely the same.

Example:

Original: It seems like a good idea.
Transformed: It is a good idea.

6. It appears that she is the most qualified candidate.
- Transformed:

7. I feel very tired after that long journey.

Transformed

8. This book belongs to me.

Transformed:

9. The existence of life on other planets remains uncertain.

Transformed:

10. He possesses a great deal of confidence.

Transformed:

11. The meeting's location is in the main conference room.

Transformed

Time's up

Click Here for Main Form of Verbs Related to Present Indefinite Tense Exercises

Exercise 1: Contextual Choice & Justification

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