Synonyms for be
Definitions
- v. 1
As an auxiliary verb: Used with past participles of verbs to form the passive voice.
The dog was saved by the boy.
- v. 2
As an auxiliary verb: Used with present participles of verbs to form the continuous aspect.
I shall be writing to you soon.
- v. 3
As an auxiliary verb: Used with to-infinitives of verbs to express intent, obligation, appropriateness, or relative future occurrence.
They are to stay here until I return.
Example sentences
- represent How much does industry represent in Algeria's GDP?
- constitute These actions constitute a breach of privacy.
- comprise That didn't comprise any malicious intent.
- sit Mary will sit still and look at the sea for hours.
- cost I was determined to fulfill my duties at any cost.
- follow Some pupils find it difficult to follow the rules.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| be | steady | |
| represent | steady | |
| constitute | falling | |
| comprise | falling | |
| sit | rising | |
| cost | falling |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 3 letters
- get1, sit1
- 4 letters
- make1, live1, rest1, cost1, walk1
- 5 letters
- stand1, exist2, equal2
- 6 letters
- follow2, endure2, embody3
- 7 letters
- subsist2
- 8 letters
- comprise2
- 9 letters
- represent3, personify4
- 10 letters
- constitute3
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (exist2 = 2 syllables).