I Am, I Was & I Have Been Explained Simply | Easy English Grammar

[00:00:01][music] >> Tom, quick question.

[00:00:08]>> Sure, Emily. What's on your mind today?

[00:00:11]>> I'm so confused. What's the difference between I am shy, I was shy, and I have been shy lately?

[00:00:19]>> Ah, that's a classic confusion.

[00:00:22]>> Exactly. Every time I talk about myself in English, I just panic a little.

[00:00:27]>> [laughter] >> Take a deep breath. You're mixing three different ideas together.

[00:00:32]>> Three different ideas?

[00:00:34]>> Yeah. You're mixing who you are, who you were, and what you've experienced over time.

[00:00:40]>> Oh, wow. Yes, that's exactly my problem.

[00:00:44]>> Listen carefully, Emily. You don't actually have a grammar problem.

[00:00:48]>> I don't?

[00:00:49]>> No, you have a self-introduction problem.

[00:00:52]>> A self-introduction problem? What does that mean?

[00:00:56]>> It means you just need to know how to tell your story.

[00:00:59]>> My story. I like how that sounds.

[00:01:02]>> Exactly. Today, you're going to learn how to talk about yourself naturally in English.

[00:01:07]>> Oh, I really need this.

[00:01:09]>> And for everyone listening, if you want to sound more natural in English, you're in the right place.

[00:01:15]>> Absolutely. So, what's the first rule?

[00:01:18]>> Rule number one, relax.

[00:01:21]>> Okay, I'm relaxing.

[00:01:23]>> Good, because there are absolutely no complicated grammar rules today.

[00:01:28]>> Oh, perfect. You know I hate complicated grammar.

[00:01:32]>> I know you do. Today is just real human English.

[00:01:36]>> Awesome. I'm ready. Where do we start?

[00:01:39]>> Let's start with why this matters.

[00:01:41]Talking about yourself is one of the most important skills in English.

[00:01:45]>> Totally, because people always ask the same question.

[00:01:48]>> Which is?

[00:01:50]>> Tell me about yourself.

[00:01:52]>> Exactly. And what happens when somebody asks you that?

[00:01:55]>> I freeze. My brain just goes completely blank.

[00:02:00]>> That happens to a lot of learners.

[00:02:02]>> Seriously, sometimes I even start sweating.

[00:02:05]>> Well, today we're going to fix that.

[00:02:08]>> Please do.

[00:02:09]>> Let's imagine you're looking into a mirror right now.

[00:02:12]>> Okay, I can picture that.

[00:02:14]>> What do you see?

[00:02:15]>> Me.

[00:02:16]>> Exactly. You see who you are right now in this exact moment.

[00:02:21]>> True.

[00:02:22]>> That mirror is the word am.

[00:02:25]>> Oh, am is the mirror.

[00:02:28]>> Exactly. Am equals your identity right now.

[00:02:32]>> That's actually easy to remember.

[00:02:34]>> Good. So, tell me something about yourself.

[00:02:37]>> I am a quiet person.

[00:02:39]>> Perfect. That's who you are right now.

[00:02:42]>> Yeah, I'm usually pretty quiet.

[00:02:45]>> Let's build some real-life examples.

[00:02:47]>> Okay.

[00:02:48]>> Imagine you meet someone at a coffee shop.

[00:02:50]>> Sounds good.

[00:02:52]>> You smile and say, "I am friendly."

[00:02:54]>> I am friendly.

[00:02:56]>> Great.

[00:02:56]>> That's easy.

[00:02:58]>> What if you just finished a very long day at work?

[00:03:01]>> Then I'd say, "I am tired today."

[00:03:04]>> Exactly.

[00:03:05]>> Makes sense.

[00:03:06]>> What if you're a studying at a university?

[00:03:08]>> I am a student.

[00:03:10]>> Perfect.

[00:03:11]>> Nice.

[00:03:12]>> What if you're attending a business event?

[00:03:14]>> I am interested in business.

[00:03:16]>> Excellent.

[00:03:17]>> Wow, that sounds professional.

[00:03:20]>> It does. Clear, confident, and natural.

[00:03:23]>> So, am is just me right now.

[00:03:26]>> Exactly. Your present self.

[00:03:29]>> I really like the mirror image.

[00:03:31]>> Hold on to that image.

[00:03:33]>> I will.

[00:03:34]>> Now, close your eyes.

[00:03:36]>> Okay, they're closed.

[00:03:37]>> Imagine you're opening an old, dusty photo album.

[00:03:41]>> Oh, wow. I can almost smell the old pages.

[00:03:46]>> You turn a page and see a photo of yourself from 10 years ago.

[00:03:50]>> Little Emily.

[00:03:51]>> Exactly. That old photograph is the word was.

[00:03:55]>> So, was is a picture from the past.

[00:03:58]>> That's right.

[00:03:59]>> Ah, now I get it.

[00:04:01]>> If am is the mirror, then was is the old photo album.

[00:04:06]>> A nice comparison.

[00:04:07]>> Give me an example.

[00:04:09]>> I was very shy as a child.

[00:04:11]>> Perfect.

[00:04:12]>> I can really feel the difference.

[00:04:14]>> Because you're talking about a past version of yourself.

[00:04:17]>> Exactly.

[00:04:18]>> Let's try some more examples.

[00:04:20]>> I'm ready.

[00:04:21]>> Think about your first job interview.

[00:04:24]>> Oh, no. It was terrible.

[00:04:26]>> How did you feel?

[00:04:28]>> I was nervous.

[00:04:29]>> Excellent.

[00:04:30]>> That's definitely true.

[00:04:32]>> What about your English level 5 years ago?

[00:04:35]>> I was bad at English.

[00:04:37]>> Good.

[00:04:38]>> Unfortunately true.

[00:04:40]>> What about speaking in English in public?

[00:04:43]>> I was afraid to speak.

[00:04:45]>> Perfect.

[00:04:46]>> So, all of these are old photos.

[00:04:49]>> Exactly.

[00:04:50]>> I was nervous. I was bad at English. I was afraid to speak.

[00:04:55]>> But that's not who you are today.

[00:04:57]>> No, definitely not.

[00:04:59]>> Let's compare your past and present.

[00:05:01]>> Okay.

[00:05:02]>> Tell me something about yourself now.

[00:05:05]>> I am confident now.

[00:05:07]>> Great. Now, use the word but.

[00:05:10]>> I am confident now, but I was shy before.

[00:05:13]>> Perfect.

[00:05:14]>> Wow, that feels powerful.

[00:05:17]>> Because you're telling a real story.

[00:05:19]>> You're right.

[00:05:20]>> You're showing growth.

[00:05:22]>> I like that.

[00:05:23]>> Try another one.

[00:05:24]>> Okay.

[00:05:25]>> Something about speaking English.

[00:05:27]>> I am a good speaker now, but I was afraid before.

[00:05:31]>> Excellent.

[00:05:32]>> This is actually fun.

[00:05:34]>> It becomes fun when you stop memorizing rules and start painting pictures.

[00:05:39]>> I like that idea.

[00:05:40]>> The mirror and the photo album.

[00:05:42]>> They're helping a lot.

[00:05:44]>> Good.

[00:05:45]>> You know, I feel much less nervous now.

[00:05:48]>> That's because you're talking about your life, not about grammar.

[00:05:51]>> That's true.

[00:05:53]>> If somebody asks, "Tell me about yourself." What can you do?

[00:05:56]>> I can use am to tell them who I am today.

[00:06:00]>> Exactly.

[00:06:01]>> And I can use was to tell them where I started.

[00:06:04]>> Perfect.

[00:06:05]>> That feels much more natural.

[00:06:07]>> It is natural.

[00:06:09]>> My life, my story.

[00:06:11]>> Exactly.

[00:06:12]>> So, we have the mirror.

[00:06:14]>> Yes, am.

[00:06:16]>> And we have the photo album.

[00:06:18]>> Yes, was.

[00:06:20]>> Hmm.

[00:06:21]>> What if the story isn't just a single photo?

[00:06:24]>> What do you mean?

[00:06:25]>> What if the story is more like a movie?

[00:06:28]>> A movie?

[00:06:29]>> A movie that started in the past and is still playing right now.

[00:06:32]>> Oh.

[00:06:34]>> A movie that shows how you've changed over time.

[00:06:36]>> Wait, is this where the third one comes in?

[00:06:41]>> You're already guessing.

[00:06:42]>> The one I always get confused about?

[00:06:45]>> Exactly.

[00:06:46]>> Uh-oh.

[00:06:47]>> Don't worry. Remember the mirror?

[00:06:49]>> Yes, am is my identity right now.

[00:06:53]>> Perfect. And the photo album?

[00:06:55]>> Was is who I was in the past.

[00:06:58]>> Excellent. Now, imagine a bridge connecting the photo album to the mirror.

[00:07:03]>> Okay, I can picture that.

[00:07:06]>> That bridge is have been.

[00:07:08]>> Ah, a bridge.

[00:07:11]>> Exactly. It connects your past to your present.

[00:07:15]>> That already sounds easier.

[00:07:17]>> Good, because many learners think have been is very complicated.

[00:07:21]>> Honestly, I used to think that, too.

[00:07:24]>> Most people do.

[00:07:25]>> So, what does it really mean?

[00:07:28]>> It means something started in the past and continues until now.

[00:07:32]>> So, the story is still happening.

[00:07:34]>> Exactly.

[00:07:35]>> Not a finished photo.

[00:07:37]>> Right.

[00:07:38]>> Not only the mirror.

[00:07:40]>> Right again.

[00:07:41]>> It's a journey between them.

[00:07:43]>> Perfect.

[00:07:43]>> Wow, I think I'm finally getting it.

[00:07:47]>> Let's test that.

[00:07:48]>> Okay.

[00:07:48]>> Imagine you've had a very busy week.

[00:07:51]>> That's not difficult to imagine.

[00:07:53]>> Are you still busy now?

[00:07:55]>> Yes.

[00:07:56]>> Then what would you say?

[00:07:57]>> Hmm, I have been busy recently.

[00:08:00]>> Perfect.

[00:08:01]>> Oh, wow.

[00:08:02]>> See the difference?

[00:08:03]>> Yes, the busyness started before and continues now.

[00:08:08]>> Exactly.

[00:08:09]>> That makes so much sense.

[00:08:11]>> English becomes easier when you focus on meaning.

[00:08:14]>> I wish I had learned it this way years ago.

[00:08:17]>> Better late than never.

[00:08:18]>> True.

[00:08:19]>> Let's try another example.

[00:08:21]>> I'm ready.

[00:08:22]>> Tell me about your English journey.

[00:08:23]>> Okay.

[00:08:24]>> Did you start learning English yesterday?

[00:08:26]>> No.

[00:08:27]>> Did you start learning a long time ago?

[00:08:29]>> Yes.

[00:08:30]>> Are you still learning now?

[00:08:32]>> Definitely.

[00:08:33]>> Then what can you say?

[00:08:35]>> I have been learning English for 2 years.

[00:08:38]>> Excellent.

[00:08:39]>> Because I started 2 years ago and I'm still learning now.

[00:08:42]>> Exactly. That's the bridge.

[00:08:45]>> I really like this bridge idea.

[00:08:47]>> Good. Let's build a few more.

[00:08:50]>> Okay.

[00:08:51]>> Imagine work has been stressful recently.

[00:08:53]>> Sadly, that's true.

[00:08:55]>> What would you say?

[00:08:57]>> I have been stressed lately.

[00:08:59]>> Perfect.

[00:09:00]>> Ouch, that sounds too accurate.

[00:09:03]>> [laughter] >> Real English comes from real life.

[00:09:06]>> Fair enough.

[00:09:07]>> What about your team at work?

[00:09:09]>> What about them?

[00:09:10]>> Have they been working hard recently?

[00:09:12]>> Very hard.

[00:09:14]>> Then?

[00:09:14]>> I have We have been working hard lately.

[00:09:18]>> Excellent.

[00:09:19]>> This is starting to feel natural.

[00:09:21]>> That's exactly >> I like that.

[00:09:26]>> Thanks.

[00:09:27]>> Now, let's combine everything.

[00:09:29]>> The mirror, the photo album, and the bridge?

[00:09:33]>> Exactly.

[00:09:34]>> Okay, let's do it.

[00:09:35]>> Start with the past.

[00:09:37]>> I was very shy before.

[00:09:39]>> Good.

[00:09:40]>> Then the present?

[00:09:42]>> Yes.

[00:09:42]>> But now I am more social.

[00:09:45]>> Perfect.

[00:09:46]>> And now the bridge.

[00:09:48]>> Go ahead.

[00:09:49]>> I have been practicing English every day.

[00:09:51]>> Excellent.

[00:09:52]>> Wow.

[00:09:53]>> How does that sound?

[00:09:55]>> Honestly, it sounds like a real story.

[00:09:58]>> Because it is a real story.

[00:10:00]>> I can feel the difference.

[00:10:02]>> You're not talking about grammar anymore.

[00:10:04]>> I'm talking about my life.

[00:10:06]>> Exactly.

[00:10:08]>> That's a huge difference.

[00:10:10]>> Let's try another example.

[00:10:11]>> Sure.

[00:10:12]>> Tell me about your career.

[00:10:14]>> Okay.

[00:10:14]>> Start with the past.

[00:10:16]>> I was an intern last year.

[00:10:18]>> Present?

[00:10:19]>> I am a full-time employee now.

[00:10:22]>> And the bridge?

[00:10:23]>> I have been managing larger projects lately.

[00:10:26]>> Excellent.

[00:10:28]>> I sound professional.

[00:10:29]>> You do.

[00:10:30]>> I wish job interviews felt this easy.

[00:10:33]>> They can.

[00:10:34]>> Really?

[00:10:35]>> Absolutely.

[00:10:36]>> How?

[00:10:37]>> Because job interviews are really opportunities to tell your story.

[00:10:41]>> Hmm.

[00:10:42]>> Think about it.

[00:10:43]>> You're right.

[00:10:44]>> Employers want to know three things.

[00:10:46]>> Which are?

[00:10:48]>> Where you came from.

[00:10:49]>> The photo album?

[00:10:50]>> Exactly.

[00:10:51]>> Where I am now, the mirror, and where I'm going?

[00:10:55]>> The bridge.

[00:10:56]>> Wow, that's actually brilliant.

[00:11:00]>> And that's why these three structures are so powerful.

[00:11:03]>> I never thought about them that way.

[00:11:06]>> Most people don't.

[00:11:07]>> Instead, they memorize grammar charts.

[00:11:10]>> And then panic during conversations.

[00:11:13]>> That sounds familiar.

[00:11:14]>> Not for much longer.

[00:11:16]>> I hope so.

[00:11:17]>> Trust me, you're making progress.

[00:11:19]>> I feel more confident already.

[00:11:21]>> Good.

[00:11:22]>> So, let me check if I understand everything.

[00:11:25]>> Go ahead.

[00:11:26]>> Am is the mirror.

[00:11:28]>> Correct.

[00:11:29]>> Was is the photo album.

[00:11:31]>> Correct.

[00:11:32]>> And have been is the bridge connecting the past and the present.

[00:11:36]>> Perfect.

[00:11:37]>> I think it's finally clicking.

[00:11:39]>> Ha, ha. I can tell.

[00:11:41]>> And honestly, I'm not panicking anymore.

[00:11:44]>> That's because you're learning through stories instead of rules.

[00:11:48]>> Yes, stories are much easier to remember.

[00:11:51]>> They really are.

[00:11:52]>> So, what happens when people make mistakes with these?

[00:11:56]>> Ah, that's a great question.

[00:11:58]>> I knew there was a catch.

[00:12:00]>> Don't worry. The mistakes are actually very easy to fix.

[00:12:04]>> Really?

[00:12:05]>> Yes, and some of them are extremely common.

[00:12:08]>> I think I've probably made all of them.

[00:12:11]>> Most people have.

[00:12:12]>> Well, let's find out.

[00:12:14]>> Let's find out.

[00:12:16]>> Okay, I'm ready.

[00:12:18]>> Good. Welcome to the mistake lab.

[00:12:21]>> The mistake lab? That sounds dangerous.

[00:12:24]>> Don't worry, it's completely safe.

[00:12:26]>> I should probably wear safety goggles anyway.

[00:12:30]>> Not a bad idea.

[00:12:32]>> So, what are we doing?

[00:12:34]>> I'm going to show you some very common mistakes.

[00:12:36]>> And I have to fix them?

[00:12:38]>> Exactly.

[00:12:39]>> Okay, challenge accepted.

[00:12:41]>> Here's the first one. Listen carefully.

[00:12:44]>> Listening.

[00:12:45]>> Someone says, "I am shy before."

[00:12:48]>> Oh, no.

[00:12:49]>> What's wrong with it?

[00:12:50]>> Well, am is the mirror.

[00:12:53]>> Correct.

[00:12:54]>> The mirror is right now.

[00:12:56]>> Exactly.

[00:12:57]>> But before is the past.

[00:12:59]>> Good.

[00:13:00]>> So, they don't belong together.

[00:13:02]>> Perfect explanation.

[00:13:04]>> The correct sentence is, "I was shy before."

[00:13:07]>> Excellent.

[00:13:08]>> That one wasn't too difficult.

[00:13:10]>> Good. Let's make it harder.

[00:13:12]>> Uh-oh.

[00:13:13]>> Mistake number two.

[00:13:14]>> I'm ready.

[00:13:15]>> Someone says, "I have been shy yesterday."

[00:13:19]>> Hmm.

[00:13:20]>> Take your time.

[00:13:21]>> Okay, have been is the bridge.

[00:13:24]>> Right.

[00:13:25]>> The bridge connects the past to now.

[00:13:27]>> Exactly.

[00:13:29]>> But yesterday is finished.

[00:13:31]>> Yes.

[00:13:32]>> Yesterday is like a closed door.

[00:13:35]>> Perfect image.

[00:13:36]>> So the bridge can't continue through a closed door.

[00:13:40]>> That's right.

[00:13:41]>> Therefore, I should say I was shy yesterday.

[00:13:44]>> Excellent.

[00:13:45]>> Or if I want to use the bridge, >> go on.

[00:13:49]>> I can say I have been shy lately.

[00:13:52]>> Perfect.

[00:13:53]>> Because lately is still connected to now.

[00:13:55]>> Exactly.

[00:13:56]>> Wow, that's actually easy when I think about the pictures.

[00:14:00]>> That's why the pictures work.

[00:14:02]>> Mirror, photo album, and bridge.

[00:14:05]>> They're much easier than memorizing grammar charts.

[00:14:07]>> Definitely.

[00:14:09]>> Ready for another one?

[00:14:10]>> Bring it on.

[00:14:11]>> Mistake number three.

[00:14:13]>> Okay.

[00:14:13]>> Someone says, "I was learning English for 2 years."

[00:14:18]>> Hmm.

[00:14:19]>> What do you think?

[00:14:19]>> That sounds almost right.

[00:14:22]>> Exactly. That's why it's tricky.

[00:14:24]>> Let me think.

[00:14:25]>> Take your time.

[00:14:26]>> If someone says for 2 years, it sounds like the activity started in the past.

[00:14:32]>> Good.

[00:14:33]>> But are they still learning now?

[00:14:35]>> That's the important question.

[00:14:36]>> If they're still learning now, >> then >> the bridge should be used.

[00:14:41]>> Exactly.

[00:14:42]>> So the correct sentence is, "I have been learning English for 2 years."

[00:14:47]>> Perfect.

[00:14:48]>> Because the learning continues until now.

[00:14:50]>> Excellent.

[00:14:51]>> Wow, I actually solved that one.

[00:14:54]>> You did.

[00:14:55]>> I feel proud of myself.

[00:14:56]>> You should.

[00:14:58]>> Thanks.

[00:14:59]>> You know, these are the exact mistakes many learners make.

[00:15:02]>> I believe it.

[00:15:03]>> They mix finished history with ongoing experiences.

[00:15:07]>> The photo album and the bridge.

[00:15:09]>> Exactly.

[00:15:10]>> I can see why people get confused.

[00:15:13]>> Especially when they focus only on grammar rules.

[00:15:15]>> Yeah.

[00:15:16]>> But now you have mental pictures.

[00:15:18]>> The mirror, >> the photo album, >> and the bridge.

[00:15:22]>> Exactly.

[00:15:23]>> I don't think I'll forget them.

[00:15:24]>> Good.

[00:15:25]>> Honestly, I already feel much relaxed.

[00:15:28]>> That's because you finally have a system that makes sense.

[00:15:31]>> You're right.

[00:15:32]>> Let's do a few quick tests.

[00:15:34]>> Okay.

[00:15:35]>> I'll give you a situation.

[00:15:36]>> And I choose the correct form.

[00:15:38]>> Exactly.

[00:15:39]>> Let's do it.

[00:15:40]>> You were nervous during a presentation last year.

[00:15:43]>> That's a photo album.

[00:15:45]>> So?

[00:15:46]>> I was nervous during the presentation.

[00:15:48]>> Perfect.

[00:15:49]>> Easy.

[00:15:50]>> You are tired right now.

[00:15:52]>> Mirror.

[00:15:53]>> And?

[00:15:54]>> I am tired right now.

[00:15:56]>> Excellent.

[00:15:57]>> Next.

[00:15:58]>> You started exercising 3 months ago and you're still exercising today.

[00:16:03]>> Ah, bridge.

[00:16:04]>> Good.

[00:16:05]>> I have been exercising for 3 months.

[00:16:08]>> Perfect.

[00:16:09]>> This is actually becoming fun.

[00:16:11]>> Learning is fun when things finally click.

[00:16:14]>> True.

[00:16:14]>> Let's make it slightly harder.

[00:16:16]>> Slightly?

[00:16:17]>> Only slightly.

[00:16:19]>> Okay.

[00:16:20]>> Complete this sentence.

[00:16:21]>> I'm listening.

[00:16:22]>> I blank shy as a child.

[00:16:25]>> Was.

[00:16:26]>> Correct.

[00:16:27]>> Easy.

[00:16:28]>> I blank more confident now.

[00:16:31]>> Am.

[00:16:32]>> Perfect.

[00:16:33]>> Next.

[00:16:34]>> I blank practicing English every day recently.

[00:16:38]>> Have been.

[00:16:39]>> Excellent.

[00:16:40]>> Three out of three.

[00:16:41]>> Perfect score.

[00:16:43]>> Not bad.

[00:16:44]>> Not bad at all.

[00:16:45]>> You know what?

[00:16:46]>> What?

[00:16:47]>> Earlier today, I would have guessed randomly.

[00:16:50]>> Really?

[00:16:51]>> Absolutely.

[00:16:52]>> And now?

[00:16:53]>> Now, I actually understand why the answers are correct.

[00:16:57]>> That's the difference between memorizing and understanding.

[00:17:00]>> You're right.

[00:17:01]>> And understanding lasts much longer.

[00:17:04]>> Definitely.

[00:17:05]>> So, tell me something.

[00:17:06]>> Okay.

[00:17:07]>> How are you feeling about these three structures now?

[00:17:09]>> Honestly?

[00:17:10]>> Yeah.

[00:17:11]>> Much better.

[00:17:12]>> That's great to hear.

[00:17:13]>> I don't feel scared of them anymore.

[00:17:15]>> Good.

[00:17:16]>> I feel like I can actually use them in real conversations.

[00:17:20]>> And that's the exact goal.

[00:17:22]>> Not perfect grammar.

[00:17:24]>> Real communication.

[00:17:25]>> Real stories.

[00:17:27]>> Exactly.

[00:17:28]>> Speaking of real stories.

[00:17:30]>> Yes?

[00:17:30]>> What happens when somebody actually asks me, "Tell me about yourself."

[00:17:36]>> Ah, here we go.

[00:17:38]>> Now we're ready for something much more interesting.

[00:17:41]>> What's that? A real-life role-play.

[00:17:43]>> Oh, wow. Okay.

[00:17:45]>> Don't worry. This will be fun.

[00:17:47]>> Easy for you to say.

[00:17:50]>> Imagine we're at a professional networking event.

[00:17:53]>> Nice. I'm wearing my best outfit.

[00:17:56]>> Good. We shake hands.

[00:17:58]>> Okay.

[00:17:59]>> Hi Emily. Nice to meet you. Tell me about yourself.

[00:18:02]>> Uh >> Don't think about grammar.

[00:18:05]>> Right.

[00:18:06]>> Think about your story.

[00:18:08]>> My story?

[00:18:09]>> Exactly.

[00:18:10]>> Okay.

[00:18:11]I'm a creative person.

[00:18:13]>> Great. That's the mirror.

[00:18:15]>> I was very quiet in school.

[00:18:17]>> Excellent. That's the photo album.

[00:18:19]>> And I have been working on my communication skills lately.

[00:18:24]>> Perfect.

[00:18:25]>> Really?

[00:18:26]>> Absolutely.

[00:18:27]>> That sounded like something a professional would say.

[00:18:31]>> Because that's exactly how professionals talk.

[00:18:34]>> Interesting.

[00:18:35]>> They explain where they started.

[00:18:37]>> The photo album.

[00:18:39]>> They explain where they are now.

[00:18:40]>> The mirror.

[00:18:42]>> And they explain what they've been doing lately.

[00:18:44]>> The bridge.

[00:18:45]>> Exactly.

[00:18:46]>> I finally understand why these three forms matter.

[00:18:50]>> They're not random grammar rules.

[00:18:52]>> They're tools for telling a story.

[00:18:55]>> That's right.

[00:18:56]>> I wish grammar books explained it this way.

[00:18:59]>> Me, too.

[00:19:00]>> Honestly, I think I would have learned much faster.

[00:19:03]>> Probably.

[00:19:04]>> So, when someone says, "Tell me about yourself."

[00:19:08]>> Yes?

[00:19:09]>> I don't need complicated vocabulary.

[00:19:12]>> Not at all.

[00:19:13]>> I don't need perfect grammar knowledge.

[00:19:15]>> Nope.

[00:19:16]>> I just need a clear story.

[00:19:19]>> Exactly.

[00:19:20]>> That's actually very comforting.

[00:19:22]>> Good.

[00:19:23]>> Because many learners think they need to sound perfect.

[00:19:26]>> And that's one of the biggest mistakes.

[00:19:28]>> Why?

[00:19:29]>> Because communication is more important than perfection.

[00:19:33]>> That's true.

[00:19:34]>> People connect with stories.

[00:19:36]>> Not grammar charts.

[00:19:38]>> Exactly.

[00:19:39]>> I love that idea.

[00:19:40]>> Here's another quick challenge.

[00:19:42]>> Okay.

[00:19:43]>> Imagine someone asks you about your English journey.

[00:19:46]>> Hmm.

[00:19:47]>> Tell your story using all three.

[00:19:49]>> Let me try.

[00:19:50]>> Go ahead.

[00:19:51]>> I was afraid to speak English before.

[00:19:54]>> Great start.

[00:19:55]>> I am much more confident now.

[00:19:57]>> Excellent.

[00:19:58]>> And I have been practicing every day.

[00:20:01]>> Perfect.

[00:20:02]>> Wow.

[00:20:03]>> How did that feel?

[00:20:04]>> Honestly, pretty good.

[00:20:07]>> It sounded very natural.

[00:20:09]>> And it didn't feel complicated.

[00:20:11]>> Because you focused on meaning.

[00:20:13]>> Not grammar.

[00:20:14]>> Exactly.

[00:20:15]>> You know what's funny?

[00:20:17]>> What?

[00:20:17]>> Earlier in this lesson, I was nervous.

[00:20:20]>> That's true.

[00:20:21]>> Now, I'm actually enjoying this.

[00:20:24]>> That's progress.

[00:20:26]>> It really is.

[00:20:27]>> And that's exactly what language learning should feel like.

[00:20:31]>> Not fear.

[00:20:32]>> Growth.

[00:20:33]>> Nice.

[00:20:34]>> So, let's do one final role play.

[00:20:37]>> One more?

[00:20:38]>> Just one.

[00:20:39]>> Okay. Let's do it.

[00:20:40]>> Imagine we're having coffee together.

[00:20:43]>> Sounds relaxing.

[00:20:44]>> I look at you and ask, "Emily, how have you changed over the years?"

[00:20:49]>> Oh, that's a good question.

[00:20:51]>> Take your time.

[00:20:52]>> Well, I was very shy when I was younger.

[00:20:56]>> Good.

[00:20:57]>> I am much more confident now.

[00:20:59]>> Nice.

[00:21:00]>> And I have been challenging myself to speak more often.

[00:21:04]>> Excellent.

[00:21:05]>> That actually sounds like a real conversation.

[00:21:08]>> Because it is a real conversation.

[00:21:11]>> I think I'm finally seeing the bigger picture.

[00:21:14]>> What bigger picture?

[00:21:15]>> These three forms aren't separate.

[00:21:18]>> Exactly.

[00:21:19]>> They work together.

[00:21:21]>> They tell the story of your life.

[00:21:23]>> Past, >> present, >> and ongoing growth.

[00:21:27]>> Perfect.

[00:21:28]>> I'm glad we practiced this way.

[00:21:30]>> Me, too.

[00:21:31]>> Because now I feel ready to use it in real life.

[00:21:34]>> Good.

[00:21:35]>> Really good, actually.

[00:21:37]>> That's what I like to hear.

[00:21:38]>> So, what happens if I forget all the rules tomorrow?

[00:21:43]>> Then remember the pictures.

[00:21:45]>> The pictures?

[00:21:46]>> The mirror.

[00:21:47]>> Right.

[00:21:48]>> The photo album.

[00:21:49]>> Got it.

[00:21:50]>> And the bridge.

[00:21:52]>> I don't think I'll forget those.

[00:21:53]Honestly, I don't think so, either.

[00:21:56]>> Good.

[00:21:56]>> Because they're much easier to remember than grammar rules.

[00:22:00]>> That's exactly the point.

[00:22:01]>> The mirror, >> who you are right now, >> the photo album, >> who you were in the past, >> and the bridge.

[00:22:07]>> Your journey from the past to the present.

[00:22:09]>> I really like those images.

[00:22:11]>> They make English feel more human.

[00:22:13]>> That's true.

[00:22:14]>> And language is about people, >> not just grammar.

[00:22:17]>> Exactly.

[00:22:18]>> You know, Tom, >> What?

[00:22:19]>> earlier today, if someone had asked me the difference between am, was, and have been, I probably would have panicked.

[00:22:28]>> [laughter] >> And now?

[00:22:29]>> Now, I'd probably smile.

[00:22:32]>> That's a big improvement.

[00:22:33]>> It really is.

[00:22:34]>> Let's do one final review.

[00:22:36]>> Okay.

[00:22:37]>> I'll say the form, >> and I'll give the image.

[00:22:39]>> Exactly.

[00:22:41]>> Let's do it.

[00:22:41]>> Am.

[00:22:42]>> The mirror, who I am right now.

[00:22:45]>> Perfect.

[00:22:46]>> Easy.

[00:22:46]>> Was.

[00:22:47]>> The photo album, who I was before.

[00:22:50]>> Excellent.

[00:22:51]>> Next.

[00:22:52]>> Have been.

[00:22:53]>> The bridge, my experience and growth over time.

[00:22:56]>> Perfect.

[00:22:57]>> Wow.

[00:22:58]>> What?

[00:22:59]>> That feels so simple now.

[00:23:01]>> Because you understand meaning.

[00:23:03]>> You're right.

[00:23:04]>> And once you understand the meaning, speaking becomes much easier.

[00:23:08]>> Definitely.

[00:23:09]>> So let's build one complete story.

[00:23:11]>> One last time?

[00:23:12]>> One last time.

[00:23:14]>> Okay.

[00:23:14]>> Start with the past.

[00:23:16]>> I was very shy before.

[00:23:18]>> Present.

[00:23:19]>> I am much more confident now.

[00:23:21]>> Bridge.

[00:23:22]>> And I have been practicing English every day.

[00:23:25]>> Excellent.

[00:23:26]>> That sounds so natural.

[00:23:28]>> Because that's how people really talk.

[00:23:30]>> Not through grammar formulas.

[00:23:32]>> Through stories.

[00:23:33]>> Through experiences.

[00:23:35]>> Through personal growth.

[00:23:36]>> I love that.

[00:23:37]>> Me, too.

[00:23:38]>> You know what else I love?

[00:23:39]>> What?

[00:23:40]>> I finally feel like I can answer the question, "Tell me about yourself."

[00:23:44]>> That's a huge win.

[00:23:46]>> It really is.

[00:23:47]>> Because that's one of the most common questions in English.

[00:23:50]>> At school.

[00:23:51]>> At work.

[00:23:52]>> During interviews.

[00:23:53]>> When meeting new people.

[00:23:54]>> Pretty much everywhere.

[00:23:56]>> Exactly.

[00:23:57]>> And now I don't feel scared of it anymore.

[00:24:00]>> That's what we wanted.

[00:24:01]>> Thank you, Tom.

[00:24:02]>> You're welcome, Emily.

[00:24:03]>> And thank you to everyone listening today.

[00:24:06]>> We hope this lesson helped you feel more confident speaking English.

[00:24:10]>> Remember, don't focus only on grammar.

[00:24:13]>> Focus on your story.

[00:24:14]>> Your experiences.

[00:24:16]>> Your growth.

[00:24:17]>> And your journey.

[00:24:18]>> Because those are the things people connect with.

[00:24:21]>> Absolutely.

[00:24:22]>> Before we finish, we have a small challenge for everyone listening.

[00:24:26]>> Oh, I like this part.

[00:24:28]>> Me, too.

[00:24:29]>> What's the challenge?

[00:24:30]>> We want you to tell us about yourself in the comments.

[00:24:33]>> Using all three forms.

[00:24:35]>> Exactly.

[00:24:36]>> Just three simple sentences.

[00:24:38]>> First, use am.

[00:24:40]>> Tell us who you are today.

[00:24:42]>> Second, use was.

[00:24:44]>> Tell us who you were in the past.

[00:24:46]>> Third, use have been.

[00:24:48]>> Tell us about your growth and your journey.

[00:24:50]>> We'd love to read your stories.

[00:24:52]>> We really would.

[00:24:53]>> And remember, there are no perfect stories.

[00:24:56]>> Just real stories.

[00:24:58]>> Exactly.

[00:24:59]>> That's what makes language meaningful.

[00:25:01]>> Well said.

[00:25:02]>> Thank you.

[00:25:03]>> And if you enjoyed this lesson, >> please support Daily English Academy by subscribing to the channel.

[00:25:08]>> And don't forget to give this video a like.

[00:25:10]>> It helps more learners discover these lessons.

[00:25:13]>> And it helps us continue creating content for you.

[00:25:16]>> We truly appreciate your support.

[00:25:18]>> We really do.

[00:25:19]>> Keep practicing.

[00:25:21]>> Keep learning.

[00:25:22]>> Keep growing.

[00:25:23]>> And keep telling your story in English.

[00:25:25]>> We'll see you in the next lesson.

[00:25:27]>> Take care, everyone.

[00:25:28]>> Bye.

[00:25:28]>> Goodbye.