Verb to Be Past vs Present

Talk the Talk: (Conversational) Mastering Conversational English A2 Low Intermediate Verb to Be Past vs Present

FUNCTION: (how it works)

Go here for there is and there are

1. Expressing Existence or Presence

Function: Indicates that something existed or was present at a specific time in the past.

OrderExamples
1.There was a grand castle on the hill.
2.There were many guests at the party.
3.In those days, there was no electricity in the village.
4.There were only a few cars on the streets.
5.There was a strange silence in the forest.
6.There was a large crowd at the concert last night.
7.There was a small coffee shop on that corner before it closed down.
8.There were many old books in the library back in those days.
9.There was a deep sense of peace in the garden last summer.
10.There were several old photographs in the drawer from the 1950s.

Instruction: Find the sentences that best describe the images

"An image of a quiet, almost empty city street with only a few cars. The setting is early morning or late evening, with soft, dim lighting creating long shadows on the pavement. The few cars present are spaced far apart, emphasizing the unusually sparse traffic. The architecture along the street is a mix of modern and older styles, with closed shops and a few streetlights casting a gentle glow. This scene captures a serene, peaceful moment in what is usually a busy urban environment, suggesting a time of day or circumstance when activity slows down."
A
"An image of an old, venerable library filled with numerous antique books. The scene is set in a large room with high ceilings and wooden bookshelves reaching up to the top, crammed with leather-bound, weathered books that show their age and character. There's a large wooden ladder attached to the shelves for accessing higher books. The atmosphere is dusty with rays of light streaming through tall, arched windows, illuminating the floating dust particles and giving a mystical ambiance. In the background, a few patrons browse quietly, immersed in the tactile experience of flipping through the pages of history."
B
"An image of a majestic, grand castle perched atop a hill. The castle is constructed in a classic medieval style, featuring tall towers with pointed rooftops, large arched doorways, and stone walls. The surrounding landscape includes a lush, green hill with a winding path leading up to the castle. The sky is clear and the setting sun casts a golden hue over the scene, enhancing the grandeur and historical atmosphere of the castle. This image evokes a sense of age-old royalty and enchanting tales."
C

answers from left to right: A-4. B-8. C-1.

2. Describing States or Conditions

Function: Describes the state or condition of a noun in the past.

OrderExample
1.The weather was chilly yesterday.
2.The windows were open all night.
3.The soup was too hot to eat immediately.
4.The doors were locked when I tried to enter.
5.The room was dark when I arrived.
6.The ice cream was delicious, I ate it immediately.
7.The streets were empty during the early morning hours.
8.The meeting room was crowded during the presentation.
9.The dog was sick last week, but he’s better now.
10.The phone was uncharged, so I couldn’t call you.

Instruction: Find the sentences that best describe the images

An image depicting a chilly day with a slightly overcast sky and a cool breeze. The scene is set in a suburban neighborhood or a city park where people are dressed in light autumn attire such as sweaters and scarves. Leaves are scattered around, some still attached to the trees showing early signs of fall colors. A couple walks their dog, and nearby, a person sips a hot drink, visibly enjoying the crisp air. This setting captures the essence of a calm, chilly day that requires just a bit of extra warmth.
A
An image of a steaming bowl of soup on a dining table, indicating it's too hot to eat immediately. The soup is in an attractive ceramic bowl, and steam is visibly rising from the surface, curling into the air. Around the bowl are traditional soup accompaniments like a spoon, some bread, and perhaps a napkin. The setting is cozy, perhaps with a rustic kitchen or a homely dining area in the background, enhancing the warm, inviting atmosphere. A person is sitting at the table, blowing gently on the soup, waiting to enjoy it."
B
"An image depicting a before-and-after scenario with a dog. In the first part of the image, show the dog looking lethargic and unwell, resting in a cozy corner of a room with a blanket and some toys around it, and a bowl of water nearby. The atmosphere is quiet and calm, with soft lighting. In the second part of the image, the same dog appears healthy and vibrant, actively playing with a ball or running in a sunny backyard, with its tail wagging enthusiastically. This scene captures the recovery and renewed energy of the dog."
C

answers from left to right: A-1. B-3. C-9.

3. Identifying Characteristics

Function: Used to identify specific characteristics or qualities of a subject in the past.

OrderExamples
1.She was a famous actress in the 1920s.
2.The trees were very tall and old.
3.The building was blue before it was repainted.
4.The books were dusty and untouched for years.
5.The car was new at that time.
6.The cat was playful and energetic as a kitten.
7.The phone was the latest model last year.
8.The jacket was warm enough for the winter weather.
9.The movie was popular when it first came out.
10.The painting was considered a masterpiece by many critics.

Instruction: Find the sentences that best describe the images

an image of a serene forest landscape featuring several very tall and old trees. These majestic trees have thick, gnarled trunks and expansive canopies that stretch high into the sky. The forest floor is dappled with sunlight filtering through the dense foliage, casting intricate shadows. Around the base of the trees, lush green ferns and a carpet of moss add to the ancient, untouched feel of the scene. This setting conveys a sense of tranquility and the enduring beauty of nature
A
an image of a person wearing a thick, insulated winter jacket outdoors during a snowy day. The jacket is stylish and designed to withstand cold temperatures, featuring a fur-lined hood and deep pockets. The person is walking through a snowy landscape, perhaps a city park or a mountain trail, with snowflakes gently falling around them. Their breath is visible in the cold air, and they appear comfortable and warm despite the chilly environment. This image conveys the effectiveness and comfort of the winter jacket in harsh weather.
B
an image of a playful and energetic kitten in a lively, colorful setting. The kitten is small, with fluffy fur, bright eyes, and a mischievous expression. It is engaged in playful antics, such as chasing a bouncing ball or pouncing on a feather toy. The background includes a cozy room with a variety of cat toys scattered around and a sunny window with a view of the outdoors. This scene captures the joyful, active nature of a young kitten at play.
C

answers from left to right: A-2. B- 8. C- 6.

4. Linking the Subject to a Complement

Function: Connects the subject to a complement that describes or provides more information about the subject.

OrderExamples
1.My favorite teacher was Mr. Johnson.
2.They were the best players on the team.
3.The solution to the problem was simpler than we thought.
4.The winners of the competition were announced last night.
5.His reaction was not what I expected.
6.The winner of the race was Maria.
7.The main ingredient in the dish was garlic.
8.The cause of the delay was a traffic jam.
9.The highlight of the show was the magician’s act.
10.Their favorite movie was “Gone with the Wind.”

Instruction: Find the sentences that best describe the images

an image of a classroom setting with a distinguished male teacher, Mr. Johnson, who appears kind and knowledgeable. He is a middle-aged man with short gray hair, wearing glasses and a smart-casual outfit, such as a sweater over a collared shirt. The classroom is lively and well-organized, with educational posters on the walls and books neatly arranged on shelves. Mr. Johnson is standing near a chalkboard, explaining a lesson with a smile, while students listen attentively, showing a scene of engaging and inspirational teaching
A
an image of a cozy home theater setting where a group of friends are watching 'Gone with the Wind.' The room is dimly lit for a cinematic experience, with a large screen displaying a famous scene from the movie. The friends are variously seated on comfortable sofas and chairs, some with vintage popcorn buckets and drinks, engrossed in the film. The room is decorated with movie posters and memorabilia, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere of enjoying a classic film together.
B
n image of a triumphant moment at the end of a race where the winner, Maria, is celebrating her victory. Maria is a young, athletic woman with a joyful expression, wearing a racing outfit with her name and number visible. She is crossing the finish line with her arms raised in victory. The background shows a crowd of spectators cheering and clapping, with banners and flags waving. The setting is a professional race track with clear skies and a festive atmosphere, capturing the excitement of the moment.
C

answers from left to right: A-1. B-10. C- 6.

5. Indicating Location or Place

Function: Shows where something or someone was located in the past.

OrderExamples
1.The keys were on the table.
2.We were at the park when it started to rain.
3.The event was held at the city hall.
4.The documents were in the top drawer of his desk.
5.She was in New York last month.
6.The cat was under the bed during the thunderstorm.
7.The car was parked right outside the building.
8.The meeting was in the large conference room on the fifth floor.
9.The children were at their grandmother’s house over the weekend.
10.The phone was in my jacket pocket all along.

Instruction: Find the sentences that best describe the images

"An image of a cozy, welcoming grandmother's house during a weekend visit. The house is depicted as a quaint, well-maintained home with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Inside, there is a living room with comfortable sofas, a fireplace, and family photos on the walls. The children are engaged in various activities, such as playing board games on the rug, baking cookies in the kitchen with their grandmother, and reading books. The setting conveys a sense of family warmth and joy."
A
"An image of a grand city hall event. The city hall is an imposing, classical building with tall columns and steps leading up to a large entrance. Inside, there's a spacious, ornately decorated hall with high ceilings and chandeliers. People in formal attire are mingling, with waiters circulating offering drinks and appetizers. The atmosphere is festive and elegant, with banners and floral decorations enhancing the majestic setting."
B
"A realistic image of a large, modern conference room located on the fifth floor of an office building. The room is filled with a long, oval-shaped table surrounded by ergonomic chairs. There are large windows offering a view of the city skyline, and a projector screen is visible at one end of the room. The walls are decorated with abstract art, and there is a soft, ambient lighting that creates a professional atmosphere."
C

answers from left to right: A-9. B-3. C-8.

Pair Practice: Functions of “To Be”

Instructions:

Work in pairs and choose a question related to a specific function of the verb “to be”. Discuss the question and take turns answering, making sure your response highlights the verb’s function. Use complete sentences and focus on accurate usage of “to be”. After discussing, pick a new question from another function to continue practicing. Aim to clearly demonstrate understanding through your answers.

SET 1 (student 1)

Expressing Existence or Presence

  1. Was there a celebration in town last weekend?
    … in the central square.
  2. Were there any new students in our class last semester?
    … three new students

Describing States or Conditions

  1. How was the weather during your vacation last summer?
    … extremely hot and sunny.
  2. What was the mood at the family reunion?
    … very joyful and nostalgic.

Identifying Characteristics

  1. What was special about the movie you watched last night?
    … the unexpected plot twist at the end.
  2. Can you describe what your first phone was like?
    … quite bulky with a small screen.

Linking the Subject to a Complement

  1. What was the hardest part of the project for you?
    … finding enough resources.
  2. What was your favorite dish at the dinner party?
    … the homemade apple pie.

Indicating Location or Place

  1. Where was the annual company meeting held last year?
    … in the main conference hall downtown.
  2. Where was the lost dog found by the neighbors?
    … in Mrs. Thompson’s backyard garden.

SET 2 (student 2)

Expressing Existence or Presence

  • Was there enough food at the event yesterday?
    … just enough for everyone.
  • Were there any tickets left for the concert last Friday?
    … no, they were all sold out

Describing States or Conditions

  • How was the temperature in the classroom yesterday afternoon?
    … quite warm, with no air conditioning.
  • What was the condition of the park after the festival?
    … a bit messy but overall in good condition

Identifying Characteristics

  • What was notable about the guest speaker at the assembly?
    … her inspiring story
  • Can you describe how the old library looked before the renovation?
    … very traditional, with dark wood shelves and a musty smell.

Linking the Subject to a Complement

  • What was the best movie you saw last year?
    … “Parasite,” for its unique storyline and direction.
  • What was your main reason for choosing that particular college?
    … the excellent engineering program and campus culture.

Indicating Location or Place

  • Where was the last place you visited on your school trip?
    … the historical museum.
  • Where was the art exhibition displayed in the city?
    … in the newly opened gallery on Main Street.

SET 3 (student 3)

Expressing Existence or Presence

  • Was there a power outage in the neighborhood last night?
    … for about two hours.
  • Were there any leftovers from the dinner party?
    … plenty of cake and salad.

Describing States or Conditions

  • How was the crowd’s energy at the concert last weekend?
    … incredibly vibrant and enthusiastic.
  • What was the atmosphere like during the holiday season?
    … festive and warmly inviting.

Identifying Characteristics

  • What was remarkable about the winning team’s performance?
    … their exceptional teamwork and strategy.
  • Can you describe what the weather was like on your last hiking trip?
    … sunny and mild, perfect for hiking.

Linking the Subject to a Complement

  • What was the most challenging book you read during the past year?
    … “Ulysses” by James Joyce, due to its complex narrative.
  • What was your first impression of your now best friend?
    … very outgoing and friendly, instantly likable.

Indicating Location or Place

  • Where was the meeting point for the last community clean-up?
    … at the city park entrance.
  • Where was the lost item found in the school?
    … in the lost and found box in the main office.

Mastering the Functions of the Verb “To Be”

Instructions:

In this quiz, you will be presented with a series of sentences. For each question, choose the option that best exemplifies the specified function of the verb “to be”.
Each function is key to understanding and correctly using the verb. Read each sentence carefully and select the answer that correctly demonstrates the given function.

1. Which sentence uses the verb "to be" to express existence or presence?

2. Which sentence uses the verb "to be" to describe a state or condition?

3. Which sentence uses the verb "to be" to identify characteristics?

4. Which sentence uses the verb "to be" to link the subject to a complement?

5. Which sentence uses the verb "to be" to indicate location or place?

6. Which sentence uses the verb "to be" to express existence or presence?

7. Which sentence uses the verb "to be" to describe a state or condition?

8. Which sentence uses the verb "to be" to identify characteristics?

9. Which sentence uses the verb "to be" to link the subject to a complement?

10. Which sentence uses the verb "to be" to indicate location or place?

11. Which sentence uses the verb "to be" to express existence or presence?

12. Which sentence uses the verb "to be" to describe a state or condition?

13. Which sentence uses the verb "to be" to identify characteristics?

14. Which sentence uses the verb "to be" to link the subject to a complement?

15. Which sentence uses the verb "to be" to indicate location or place?

16. Which sentence uses the verb "to be" to express existence or presence?

17. Which sentence uses the verb "to be" to describe a state or condition?

18. Which sentence uses the verb "to be" to identify characteristics?

19. Which sentence uses the verb "to be" to link the subject to a complement?

20. Which sentence uses the verb "to be" to indicate location or place?

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