To be: Plural and Singular Forms.

In English, when we talk about someone or something we keep in mind the number (Singular & Plural). For example, when you talk about your dad, your mom, or your friends, make sure to use the right forms.

To be: Singular Form: IS

When I talk about my mom, I always keep in mind the gender (feminine) and the number (one = singular = is).

It sounds complicated at first but believe me, it's a piece of cake. Just make sure you always use the name or the substitution for the person.

Example: My mom is from Mexico or She is from Mexico.

Name	Pronoun (Substitution)
My mom, Pam, The doctor	She is
My dad, Ray, The doctor	He is
My phone, Today, That car	It is

Make sure to use only one option, you may use the name or the substitution but not both!

Wrong: My mom she is from Mexico.

There is a reason why this is so important (That's why we are starting here). The reason is that unlike Spanish, in English "To be" is never used without a subject. Let me show you.

Spanish: ¡Es un día hermoso!

In Spanish, we use the conjugation "Es" without a subject. The form "Es" communicates I am referring to "Hoy". Below, you can see what I mean.

Spanish: ¡Hoy es un día hermoso!

Both are valid options but spanish speakers use conjugation to communicate clearly who they are referring to. In English, the subject is obligatory! They are always used in pairs.

Right: It's a beautiful day! Right: It is a beautiful day! Right: Today is a beautiful day!

A complete sentence MUST contain both elements. A Subject and its correct "To be" form.

Wrong: Is a beautiful day!

To be: Plural Form: are

"To be" in its plural form "Are" works together with plural subjects. Use this form when you talk about two or more people, or two or more things.

My dogs are really cute.

Name	Pronoun (Substitution)
The dogs, My friends, Those cars	They are
My dad and I, *Me and my friends, You and I, *You and me	We are
Direct Conversation or Speaking to a public	You are

* = Not considered as "Correct". However, they are commonly used by Americans in casual conversation. Example: My friends are good people. Example: We are English students. Example: They are English students. Example: *You are here to learn English. * = You always takes "are" whether you are having an intimate conversation with one person, or you are speaking to an audience. "You are" is the perfect combo.