This module teaches you how to make simple, everyday English sentences. First, use SVO word order for direct statements: subject + verb + object (for example, I drink coffee, She buys a ticket). Next, use be (am, is, are) in the pattern subject + be + complement to talk about identity, description, feelings, and location (like I am a student or They are here). To make simple negatives, use do not or does not before the main verb: subject + do not/does not + base verb (for example, We do not live here). Remember that the main verb stays in base form after do not/does not, and that be negatives use am not, is not, or are not. Finally, form yes-no questions: with be, put be before the subject (Are you ready?), and with other verbs use do/does before the subject (Do you like coffee?, Does he work here?).

Say direct everyday sentences by putting the person/thing first, the action second, and what receives the action last.

English often uses a clear pattern for everyday statements: subject + verb + object. The subject names the person or thing doing the action, the verb shows the action, and the object receives it. In I drink coffee, I is the subject, drink is the verb, and coffee is the object. In She buys a ticket, she comes first, then the action, then the thing affected by the action. Keep this order when you want a direct, simple statement like the ones used in Greetings and Introductions and Everyday Conversations.

Direct subject verb object order
ExamplePattern
☕She likes tea.Use subject verb object for a clear basic sentence.
🛍️We bought fruit.Put the main action after the subject.
📚He reads a book.Place the object at the end of the sentence.

Describe who someone is, what something is like, and where it is using am/is/are.

Use be to talk about identity, description, location, and states. The main forms are am, is, and are. Put the subject first, then be, then the word or phrase that completes the idea: I am a student, She is from Mexico, They are here, The coffee is hot. With be, the sentence often connects one person or thing to a name, job, place, feeling, or description instead of an action. These are some of the most useful patterns in Simple Present Tense Basics and in everyday travel situations from Travel Phrases.

Simple be sentences for description
ExamplePattern
🙋I am Ana.Use be to say who someone is or what something is.
🏠The room is quiet.Use be to describe a person, thing, or place.
😊They are ready.Use be to talk about a state or feeling.

Which sentence correctly uses be to say what she is?

Express what you don’t want, what isn’t true, or what someone doesn’t do using do not/does not (and am not/is not/are not for be negatives).

To make a simple negative statement, use do not or does not before the main verb: subject + do not + verb, or subject + does not + verb. Say I do not want tea, We do not live here, He does not speak French. The main verb stays in its base form after do not or does not. In daily conversation, people often say don't and doesn't, but the full forms are useful to know first. For negative be sentences, use am not, is not, or are not instead, as in I am not ready or They are not open. This pattern appears often in Everyday Conversations.

Simple negative sentences with do not
ExamplePattern
🚫I do not like coffee.Use do not to make a negative statement with a base verb.
🗓️She does not work on Sunday.Use does not with he, she, or it in a negative statement.
🆘We do not need help.Put not before the main verb in the negative form.

Ask quick yes-no questions to get simple answers, especially in everyday situations like shops, restaurants, and travel.

Yes-no questions ask for a simple answer like yes or no. With be, move be before the subject: Are you ready?, Is she here?, Am I late? With other verbs, use do or does before the subject: Do you like coffee?, Does he work here? The main verb stays in its base form after do or does. Use this pattern when you need quick facts, especially in places like shops, restaurants, and stations. It is one of the most useful forms in Travel Phrases and in Greetings and Introductions.

Simple yes no questions with do be
ExamplePattern
❓Do you speak EnglishUse do or does at the start of a yes no question.
✅Are you readyUse be before the subject in a yes no question.
🏡Does he live hereKeep the main verb in its base form in a do question.

Take the Quiz!

Now you can make simple sentences and ask yes-no questions

You can build clear everyday English with SVO (subject + verb + object), and you can use be (am/is/are) to talk about identity, description, and location. You can also make negatives with do not/does not (and am not/is not/are not with be) and form yes-no questions using be first or do/does first.

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Last updated: Mon Jul 13, 2026, 6:53 PM