The Full Form

POSITIVE

I am, You are, He/She/It is,
We are, You are, They are.

NEGATIVE

I am not, You are not, He/She/It is not,
We are not, You are not, They are not.

QUESTIONS

Am I? Are you,? Is he/she/it?
Are we? Are you? Are they?

We use the Full Form in questions, positive short answers, with names and words that end in "s", in formal writing, for emphasis.

• Are you a student?
• Yes, I am.
• James is a teacher. This is my son.
• Dear Mrs Jones, We are very pleased to inform you ...
• Jill's mum: Jill is not here. Jill: I am here!

The Short Form

POSITIVE

I'm, You're, He's/She's/It's,
We're, You're, They're.

NEGATIVE

I'm not, You aren't, He/She/It isn't,
We aren't, You aren't, They aren't.

SHORT ANSWERS

• Yes, I am.
• No, I'm not.