1. “BE” – Base Form
Meaning: "Be" is the base form of the verb.
We use “be” with modal verbs (can, could, may, might, should, etc.) or in imperatives (commands).
Used in:
- Modal + Be
- To form passive voice
- Commands or instructions
Examples:
- You should be careful. (advice with modal verb — Present/Future)
- I want to be a doctor. (base form used after "want to")
- Please be quiet. (imperative sentence/command)
- He might be late. (possibility using a modal verb)
- She must be at school. (certainty using a modal verb)
2. “BEING” – Present Participle
Meaning: "Being" is the -ing form of “be”.
We use “being” to describe an ongoing state or temporary action, often in passive voice or with continuous tenses.
(Active Voice = The subject does the work.
Example: The chef cooks the food.
Passive Voice = The work is done to the subject.
Example: The food is cooked by the chef.)
Used in:
- Present/Past Continuous Passive
- Describing behavior or temporary state
Examples:
- He is being rude today. (temporary behavior — Present Continuous)
- The cake is being made. (present continuous passive)
- She was being honest. (past continuous passive)
- The students are being taught grammar. (present passive continuous)
3. “BEEN” – Past Participle
Meaning: "Been" is the past participle of “be”.
We use “been” in perfect tenses, mostly with have/has/had, to describe an action that has already happened or a completed state.
Used in:
- Present Perfect (have/has been)
- Past Perfect (had been)
- To express visits, jobs, or completed conditions
Examples:
- She has been to Delhi. (experience — Present Perfect)
- I have been tired all day. (state — Present Perfect)
- He had been my friend for years. (past relationship — Past Perfect)
- They have been studying since morning. (action — Present Perfect Continuous)
- We have been busy lately. (completed state — Present Perfect)