English Grammar: The Verb 'To Be' and Question Words

Vocabulary and grammar practice flashcards based on lecture notes covering the present tense of the verb 'to be' (affirmative, negative, questions) and essential WH-question words.

Who

A question word meaning "kdo" (or "který", "koho"), used to inquire about a person (e.g., "Who is it?").

What

A question word meaning "co" or "jaký", used to ask about things, objects, or actions (e.g., "What is it?").

Which

A question word meaning "který", used when selecting or choosing from a limited set of options (e.g., "Which is it?").

Whose

A question word meaning "čí" (asking to whom something belongs), used to ask about possession (e.g., "Whose car is it?").

When

A question word meaning "kdy", used to inquire about time (e.g., "When is it?").

Why

A question word meaning "proč", used to ask for a reason or explanation (e.g., "Why is it cold?").

Where

A question word meaning "kde", used to ask about a place or position (e.g., "Where is it?").

How

A question word meaning "jak", used to ask about manner, condition, degree, or quantity (e.g., "How cold is it?").

To Be (Singular Affirmative Forms)

The singular present forms and contractions of the verb 'to be': 1. I am (I'm), 2. you are (you're), 3. he/she/it is (he's, she's, it's).

To Be (Plural Affirmative Forms)

The plural present forms and contractions of the verb 'to be': 1. we are (we're), 2. you are (you're), 3. they are (they're).

To Be (Negative Forms)

Formed by adding 'not' to the verb: 'I am not' (I'm not), 'you are not' (you aren't / you're not), and 'he/she/it is not' (he/she/it isn't / he's, she's, it's not).

To Be (Question Formation)

Questions are formed by subject-verb inversion: 'Am I …?', 'Are you …?', 'Is he/she/it …?', 'Are we …?', 'Are you …?', and 'Are they …?'.

How old are you?

An English question used to ask about a person's age ("Kolik ti je?").

How much is it?

An English phrase used to ask for the price or cost of an item ("Kolik to stojí?").

I don't know

A common phrase expressing lack of knowledge, translated as "nevím".