Is or is? Discover the difference and when to use

The use of "is or is" it causes confusion in many people. What happens is that they may end up being used as synonyms, but the correct relationship between the words is actually another. While “to be” is the verb, “está” is one of its conjugated forms.

Is or is? Discover the difference and when to use

Pay attention to the explanation below to better understand how to use the verb “estar” and not make mistakes in Portuguese!

Be

This is an irregular verb. This condition, therefore, means that during their conjugation there are changes both in the root and in the ending of the words. It is also classified as an indirect transitive verb and has a linking function.

“To be” is the infinitive form of the verb. Check below its present tense conjugation:

• I am
• You are
• He is
• We are
• You are
• They are

As you can see, the verb takes on a different form in each person. The meaning, however, is always the same!

The impersonal infinitive “to be” is most commonly used in verbal phrases and without defined subjects. See below some examples:

• Will he be at your party too?
• Your father may not always be busy with work.
• You must be tired of these people.
• We don't know what happened, he might just be traveling.
• Without being employed it is difficult to make these purchases.
• It took a lot of effort for me to be here.
• Can he be here with us?

it is

When you want to use the 3rd person present tense of the verb “to be”, then you will be using the “está”. In this case, an action is indicated that “is” happening at that moment. On the other hand, it can also mean someone's status/condition.

Check out the examples of the use of conjugation:

• He's sick, he's going to have to go to the doctor;
• Lucas is reading to the kids, don't be in your way!
• She is late.
• My grandfather is in the hospital.
• My friend should be here soon, he's stuck in traffic.
• The transmission is now taking place.

Many people also use "is" as a form of statement or order, as can be seen below:

• He is in home? It is!
• It's over!

We also recommend:

• Fill or see.
• Way or way.

Informal language

Although the verb “to be” is the correct form, Portuguese speakers abbreviated its use. Currently, it is very common to use “ok” instead of “be”. This, however, is an informal way. Even though it is socially accepted, it should not be used in writing.

Is or is – When to use?

Still having doubts when using the “Is or is”? Check out the following video: