is

A small bird is perched on a branch.

Definition

1. Verb (third-person singular present tense of ):
   • To exist or have a specific state: "is" indicates that something exists or possesses a particular quality, identity, or condition.
   • To be equal to or identical with: Used to link a subject with a predicate noun or adjective.
   • To occur or take place: Used to describe events or situations happening at the present time.

Usage Examples

• To exist or have a specific state:

  • The cat is on the mat. (The cat exists in that location.)
  • She is happy today. (She possesses the quality of happiness.)

• To be equal to or identical with:

  • He is a doctor. (He has the identity of a doctor.)
  • This is my book. (This object is identical to my book.)

• To occur or take place:

  • The meeting is at noon. (The meeting occurs at that time.)
  • It is raining outside. (The event of rain is happening now.)

Advanced Usage

• "is" in existential statements: Used to assert the existence of something in a general sense.

  • There is a problem with the plan. (A problem exists.)
  • Is there any milk left? (Does any milk exist?)

• "is" in passive constructions: Used with a past participle to form the passive voice.

  • The letter is written by John. (The action of writing is performed on the letter.)
  • The window is broken. (The window has been broken.)

• "is" in continuous tenses: Used with a present participle to form the present continuous.

  • She is reading a book. (She is currently engaged in reading.)
  • They are playing outside. (They are engaging in play.)

Variants and Related Words

• Be (verb): the base form of "is".

  • I want to be a teacher. (To exist as a teacher.)

• Am (verb): first-person singular present tense of be.

  • I am ready. (I exist in a state of readiness.)

• Are (verb): second-person singular and all plural present tense of be.

  • You are kind. (You possess kindness.)

• Was (verb): first- and third-person singular past tense of be.

  • He was late. (He existed in a state of lateness in the past.)

• Were (verb): second-person singular and all plural past tense of be.

  • They were happy. (They existed in a state of happiness in the past.)

Synonyms

• Exists: to have objective reality.
  • God exists. (God is real.)
• Equals: to be the same as.
  • Two plus two equals four. (Two plus two is identical to four.)
• Means: to signify or represent.
  • This symbol means peace. (This symbol is peace.)

Phrasal Verbs

• "is up to": indicates responsibility or decision.
  • It is up to you to decide. (You are responsible for deciding.)
• "is about": indicates the subject or topic.
  • The book is about history. (The book concerns history.)

Related Idioms

• "is what it is": used to accept a situation as unchangeable.
  • We lost the game, but it is what it is. (We accept the outcome without complaint.)
• "is all Greek to me": means something is incomprehensible.
  • This technical manual is all Greek to me. (I cannot understand it at all.)