I am agree: the verb that isn't an adjective

Objective & content

This Grammar Fix video (about 3 minutes) fixes one mistake: a form of be in front of agree. Freya and Cody give the rule: agree is a verb, like like or want, so it never takes be. They apply it to other subjects (she agrees, we agree) and to the opposite verb (I disagree). They also warn against dropping be everywhere: real adjectives keep it (I am happy, I am tired, I am ready). Students repeat sentences with the hosts, then play a three-round game.

Pedagogical guide

French, Spanish and Italian speakers make this mistake. In their languages agreement is said with be plus a word (je suis d'accord, estoy de acuerdo, sono d'accordo), so they copy the shape. Portuguese also has a plain verb, so the transfer is weaker. Polish speakers are not expected to make it: their verb has no be. Watch for overcorrection. Students who have just learned the rule sometimes drop be before a real adjective. Round two of the game is built to catch this. The video says the wrong sentence only once. Do the same: give the rule, do not drill the error.

Suggested procedure

1. Before (2 min). Ask two students for an opinion. Ask the class who thinks the same, and how they say it in English. Write the answers on the board.
2. Watch (3 min). Play the video once. Students repeat aloud when Cody says "Say them with me": I agree. She agrees. We agree.
3. Game (3 min). Play the game again. Both sentences are shown and said. Pause at each thinking beat ("Have a think...") and ask the class to vote. In round two, ask why be is right.
4. After (4 min). Go back to the answers on the board. In pairs, students correct them and say which word needs be: agree, or an adjective like happy?

Materials & prerequisites

• The video, a screen and sound for the whole class.
• The example sentences are at about A2- level. Students need the subject pronouns and be with a few adjectives (happy, tired, ready).

Assessment & extensions

In pairs, one student gives an opinion. The partner answers I agree or I disagree, then adds a sentence with I am and an adjective.