Negative contractions of the verb to be depend on the subject. Use am not with I, isn’t with he, she, and it, and aren’t with you, we, and they, as in I am not tired or she isn’t a doctor.
Grammar Rule
The correct form depends on the subject.
To Be Negative Contractions: Forms
| Subject | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | am not | I am not tired. |
| He / She / It | isn’t | She isn’t a doctor. It isn’t expensive. |
| You / We / They | aren’t | You aren’t late. They aren’t from Chile. |
Remember: the correct form depends on the subject.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using the correct negative contraction of to be. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Verb to be – Negative contractions (present simple)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the negative contraction of to be with I?
With I, the negative form is am not, as in I am not tired.
What is the negative contraction with he, she, or it?
Use isn’t, as in she isn’t a doctor or it isn’t expensive.
What is the negative contraction with you, we, or they?
Use aren’t, as in you aren’t late or they aren’t from Chile.
Does the negative form of to be change with the meaning of the sentence?
No. It only changes with the subject, not with the meaning.