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| Language: | Old English |
| Origin: | beon |
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be2 S1 W1
1 [linking verb] used to say that someone or something is the same as the subject of the sentence : 
My name is Susan.These are my favourite pictures. He's my brother. The problem is finding the time to get things done. Our aim was to reduce the number of accidents.
My name is Susan.These are my favourite pictures.He's my brother.The problem is finding the time to get things done.Our aim was to reduce the number of accidents.2 [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] used to say where something or someone is : Jane's upstairs. Are my keys in the drawer? The principal's in his office. How long has she been here?
Jane's upstairs.Are my keys in the drawer?The principal's in his office.How long has she been here?3 [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] used to say when something happens : The concert was last night. The party is on Saturday.
The concert was last night.The party is on Saturday.4 [linking verb] used to describe someone or something, or say what group or type they belong to : The sky was grey. Spiders are not really insects. Mr Cardew was a tall thin man. She wants to be a doctor when she leaves school. Her dress was pure silk. I'm not ready yet.
The sky was grey.Spiders are not really insects.Mr Cardew was a tall thin man.She wants to be a doctor when she leaves school.Her dress was pure silk.I'm not ready yet.5 used to say that something exists or happens : There's a hole in your trousers. There was a loud explosion. 'I thought there was going to be a party.' 'No, there isn't.' Is there a problem?
there is/are
There's a hole in your trousers.There was a loud explosion.'I thought there was going to be a party.' 'No, there isn't.'Is there a problem?6 [linking verb] to behave in a particular way : He was just being rude. Don't be silly. You'd better be careful.
He was just being rude.Don't be silly.You'd better be careful.7 [linking verb] used to say how old someone is : His mother died when he was twenty. Rachel will be three in November.
His mother died when he was twenty.Rachel will be three in November.8 [linking verb] used to say who something belongs to : Whose is this bag? It isn't mine and it isn't Sarah's.
Whose is this bag? It isn't mine and it isn't Sarah's.9 [linking verb] used to talk about the price of something : 'How much are the melons?' 'The big ones are £2 each.'
'How much are the melons?' 'The big ones are £2 each.'10 [linking verb] to be equal to a particular number or amount : 32 divided by 8 is 4.
32 divided by 8 is 4.11 used to say that even though you accept that something is true, it does not change a situation : 'He was only joking.' 'Be that as it may, silly remarks like that can do a lot of harm.'
be that as it may
formal'He was only joking.' 'Be that as it may, silly remarks like that can do a lot of harm.'12 [intransitive] formal to exist : What was once a great and powerful empire has effectively ceased to be.
What was once a great and powerful empire has effectively ceased to be.13 to behave in a natural way, rather than trying to pretend to be different : Don't try too hard - just be yourself.
be yourself
Don't try too hard - just be yourself.14 to be behaving in a way that is unusual for you, especially because you are ill or upset : Sorry - I'm not myself this morning.
not be yourself
Sorry - I'm not myself this morning.