English grammar
Is + a noun, is + a state
Contrast a lasting trait with a temporary state.
From the scene He's a sleepwalker!
In short
Use be + a + noun for what someone is: he's a sleepwalker. Use plain be for a state: he's asleep.
Your turn
Which one goes with a state: same verb, be?
Options: he's a sleepwalker (NOT "he's sleepwalker") · Is he awake? · he's asleep
Show answer
a state: same verb, be → he's asleep
How it works
Use be both for what someone is (he's a sleepwalker) and for a temporary state (he's asleep).
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
No, dear. I think (blank) asleep.
Options: he's being · he does · he’s
Show answer
No, dear. I think he’s asleep.
No, cariño. Creo que está dormido.
Good to know
With a noun for what someone is, English needs a: he's a sleepwalker, NOT "he's sleepwalker".
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
(blank) not a thief. He’s just asleep.
Options: He’s · He does · He be
Show answer
He’s not a thief. He’s just asleep.
No es un ladrón. Solo está dormido.
Good to know
For a state, use plain be: he's asleep, never "he's being asleep".
what he is: a + noun he's a sleepwalker (NOT "he's sleepwalker")
a state: same verb, be he's asleep
Your turn
What goes with he's asleep?
Options: asking about a state · a state: same verb, be · what he is: a + noun
Show answer
he's asleep → a state: same verb, be
asking about a state Is he awake?
Nuria
Is he awake?
¿Está despierto?
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank)?
Options: Is he awake · He's a sleepwalker · He's asleep
Show answer
Nuria
Is he awake?
¿Está despierto?
negative: not a + noun he's not a thief
Your turn
What goes with he's not a thief?
Options: what he is: a + noun · a state: same verb, be · negative: not a + noun
Show answer
he's not a thief → negative: not a + noun
Common mistake
Not He’s or He does here. What he is: a noun needs a.
He’s a sleepwalker, Nuria.
Es sonámbulo, Nuria.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| what he is: a + noun | he's a sleepwalker (NOT "he's sleepwalker") |
|---|---|
| a state: same verb, be | he's asleep |
| asking about a state | Is he awake? |
| negative: not a + noun | he's not a thief |
More lines from the story
- ElenaNo, dear. I think he’s asleep.No, cariño. Creo que está dormido.
- ElenaHe’s a sleepwalker, Nuria.Es sonámbulo, Nuria.
- ElenaHe’s not a thief. He’s just asleep.No es un ladrón. Solo está dormido.
- NuriaDon Ramón? But his eyes are open.¿Don Ramón? Pero tiene los ojos abiertos.
- ElenaAnd he’s wearing the long coat... with no buttons!Y lleva el abrigo largo... ¡sin botones!