[ Do I have to explain it to you? Then, it won’t be as funny. During his impeachment hearings, then “President Clinton” was asked a question about his “relationship” with Monica Lewinsky. His reply was, “That depends on what the meaning if ‘is’ is.” …Well, I thought it was GOOD and funny. ]

–verb (used without object)

1. to exist or live: Shakespeare’s “To be or not to be” is the ultimate question.

2. to take place; happen; occur: The wedding was last week.

3. to occupy a place or position: The book is on the table.

4. to continue or remain as before: Let things be.

5. to belong; attend; befall: May good fortune be with you.

6. (used as a copula to connect the subject with its predicate adjective, or predicate nominative, in order to describe, identify, or amplify the subject): Martha is tall. John is president. This is she.

7. (used as a copula to introduce or form interrogative or imperative sentences): Is that right? Be quiet! Don’t be facetious.

–auxiliary verb

8. (used with the present participle of another verb to form the progressive tense): I am waiting.

9. (used with the present participle or infinitive of the principal verb to indicate future action): She is visiting there next week. He is to see me today.

10. (used with the past participle of another verb to form the passive voice): The date was fixed. It must be done.

11. (used in archaic or literary constructions with some intransitive verbs to form the perfect tense): He is come. Agamemnon to the wars is gone.

My dad is drinking.

That’s just the way my father is.

I am

You are

He/She/It IS

Is means “to be”

was = past tense

will be = future tense