Introduction to Unit 1: Am / Is / Are, and Basic Structures
Welcome to Unit 1! In this unit, we will explore the fundamental structures of the English language, focusing on the verb to be (am, is, are) and essential sentence formations. Mastering these concepts is crucial for building a strong foundation in English communication, as to be is one of the most frequently used verbs in the language.
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Why Is This Unit Important?
Understanding am, is, and are allows learners to describe people, places, and things accurately. This unit introduces:
- Personal introductions: Expressing who you are, your age, nationality, and interests.
- Describing relationships and professions: Talking about family members and occupations.
- Talking about states and conditions: Expressing feelings, locations, and temporary situations.
- Basic contractions and negations: Using short forms like I’m, he’s, and they’re for fluency.
- Common expressions with “there is” and “here is”: Introducing objects or situations naturally in conversation.
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to construct clear and grammatically correct sentences, which are essential for everyday communication. Whether you are introducing yourself, describing your surroundings, or engaging in a simple conversation, mastering these basic structures will significantly boost your confidence in English.
Let’s get started!
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Subject | Verb | Positive | Negative |
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I | am | I’m | I’m not |
he | is | he’s | he’s not / he isn’t |
she | is | she’s | she’s not / she isn’t |
it | is | it’s | it’s not / it isn’t |
we | are | we’re | we’re not / we aren’t |
you | are | you’re | you’re not / you aren’t |
they | are | they’re | they’re not / they aren’t |
Short Forms
They are not → (they’re not / they aren’t)
I am not → (I’m not)
He is not → (he’s not / he isn’t)
She is not → (she’s not / she isn’t)
It is not → (it’s not / it isn’t)
We are not → (we’re not / we aren’t)
You are not → (you’re not / you aren’t)

Exercise 1.1
Write the short form (they’re / he isn’t etc.).
she is not → ______
he is → ______
we are → ______
it is not → ______
that is → ______
you are not → ______