+185.+ The verb is perhaps the most difficult part of speech to master
because it has more form changes than any other part of speech.
In this lesson we are going to emphasize the most important things to
remember in the study of the verb and also call attention to the most
common mistakes.
+186.+ First, master that little verb be in all its forms. The only way
to do this is to commit to memory these forms. Say them over and over
until any other form does not sound right.
+Present+ +Past+ +Future+
_Singular_ _Singular_ _Singular_
1. I am. I was. I shall be.
2. You are. You were. You will be.
3. He is. He was. He will be.
_Plural_ _Plural_ _Plural_
1. We are. We were. We shall be.
2. You are. You were. You will be.
3. They are. They were. They will be.
_Pres. Perf._ _Past Perf._ _Fut. Perf._
Have been. Had been. Shall have been.
+187.+ Do not use _aint_ for _is not_ or _am not_. Do not say, _He aint
here_, or _I aint going_. Say, _He isn't here_; _I am not going_.