Mosaico Italiano

“Essere” is the Italian verb for “to be”. 

Not only is it the most common verb in Italian, but it’s also an auxiliary verb, like “avere” (to have), meaning it combines with other verbs to form various tenses. “Essere” is highly irregular, so the best way to master it is by memorizing its different tenses and moods.” 

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blank 

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb essere (to be). 

1. Io ___ molto felice oggi. (I am very happy today.) 
2. Tu ___ uno studente di italiano. (You are an Italian student.) 
3. Lui ___ il mio migliore amico. (He is my best friend.) 
4. Noi ___ pronti per partire. (We are ready to leave.) 
5. Voi ___ sempre in ritardo. (You all are always late.) 
6. Loro ___ italiani. (They are Italian.) 

Exercise 2: Match the Subject to the Verb 

Match each subject pronoun to the correct form of essere. 

1. Io 
2. Tu 
3. Lui/Lei 
4. Noi 
5. Voi 
6. Loro 

___ sei 
___ sono 
___ è 
___ siamo 
___ siete 
___ sono 

Exercise 3: Translate the Sentence 

Translate the following sentences from English to Italian using the correct form of essere. 

1. We are friends. 
2. They are tired. 
3. I am a teacher. 
4. You (singular) are very kind. 
5. He is a doctor. 

Exercise 4: Correct the Sentence 

Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences. 

1. Tu sono molto intelligente. 
2. Noi sei in classe adesso. 
3. Lei siamo una brava persona. 
4. Voi sono studenti di matematica. 
5. Loro è molto gentili.