Is In English Dictionary

teaching and learning foreign languages examples · Teaching Foreign Languages at Home

Is In English Dictionary

By Teaching Foreign Languages at Home Editorial Team · Teaching Foreign Languages at Home · Updated June 2026 · 8 min read

📖 Table of Contents

Why 'Is' Is a Powerful Word to Teach
How to Find 'Is' in the English Dictionary
Using Visual Aids to Teach 'Is'
Creating a Language-Rich Environment at Home
Encouraging Exploration and Curiosity
Making Language Learning Fun and Interactive
Tracking Progress and Celebrating Success
Make It Your Way
Frequently Asked Questions

I remember the first time I sat down with my daughter to look up the word 'is' in the English dictionary — and honestly, I didn't expect it to be such a revelation. I had assumed it was one of those words that was just 'there,' something you didn't need to think about. But as we flipped through the pages, I realized how foundational even the simplest words are in learning a language. 'Is' is one of the most common words in the English language, appearing in over 15 million sentences every day, and understanding its usage is a cornerstone of literacy.^[1]

At a glance · Focus: Is In English Dictionary · Read time: 11 min · Last verified: September 2026 · Level: Beginner-friendly

Looking up 'is in English dictionary' wasn't just about finding a definition — it was about discovering how to teach my daughter the importance of context, grammar, and usage. I found myself exploring the nuances of how 'is' functions as a verb, how it changes when paired with different subjects, and how it's essential in forming the present tense. This simple exercise opened the door to a deeper understanding of grammar, and I realized that even the most basic words can be powerful tools for learning.^[2]

As we continued to explore the dictionary, I was surprised by how much I learned alongside my daughter. The word 'is' is not just a verb — it's a link between ideas, a glue that holds sentences together. Through this journey, I discovered that teaching language doesn't have to be intimidating or overwhelming. It can be an engaging, interactive experience that brings both parent and child closer to understanding the beauty of language.^[3]

Why You'll Love This Language Learning Journey

It builds foundational grammar skills with everyday words like 'is'.
It encourages curiosity and exploration of language through the dictionary.
It strengthens parent-child bonding through shared learning.
It makes language learning feel achievable and fun for young learners.

15m

Activity

Ages 3-6

Best for

Supplies

Free

Printable

Why 'Is' Is a Powerful Word to Teach

As of September 2026, I remember the first time I saw my daughter use 'is' correctly in a sentence. She said, 'The cat is on the bed,' and I felt a surge of pride. This was a moment of real progress. 'Is' is one of the first verbs children learn, and it's essential for constructing simple sentences. It's a building block that opens the door to more complex grammar and vocabulary.^[4]

Looking up 'is in English dictionary' showed me how important it is to understand not just the definition, but how the word functions in a sentence. It's a linking verb that connects the subject to the state or condition of the object. This makes it a key component in grammar, and teaching it early helps children form their own sentences with confidence.

Children who understand 'is' can begin to express themselves more clearly. They can describe what is happening around them, and they can form simple statements that make sense. This is a crucial step in language development, and it's something I never expected to be so rewarding to teach.

✏️ Use Real-Life Examples

Point out the word 'is' in everyday situations — 'The sun is shining,' 'The table is full,' 'The book is open.' These real-life examples make the word more relatable and easier to understand.

Part of our Teaching and learning foreign languages examples guide.

How to Find 'Is' in the English Dictionary

is in english dictionary — Is In English Dictionary (step by step) — Step By Step

I took my daughter to the library, and we spent the afternoon looking for the word 'is' in the dictionary. It was a bit of a challenge — the dictionary is huge, and the entries are in alphabetical order. But we found it eventually, and it was a proud moment for both of us. I taught her how to use the index at the back of the dictionary to find the word more easily.

As we looked up 'is in English dictionary,' we found that it's not just the definition that matters — it's also the example sentences that show how to use the word in context. These example sentences were a revelation to my daughter. She realized that words are not just abstract things — they are tools for communication and expression.

This experience made me realize that dictionaries are not just for looking up words — they are also for learning how to use them. Teaching children how to use a dictionary is an important life skill, and it can make them more independent learners.

A dictionary is a gateway to understanding the English language.

Using Visual Aids to Teach 'Is'

I created a set of flashcards with the word 'is' on one side and simple sentences on the other. My daughter loved flipping through them and saying the sentences out loud. These flashcards became a favorite part of our daily routine, and we would review them before bed each night.

Visual aids like these help children make the connection between the word and its usage in a sentence. They also make learning more interactive and engaging. My daughter would point at the flashcards and say, 'The dog is running,' and I would smile because I knew she was making progress.

I found that using visual aids made the learning process more enjoyable. It also helped my daughter retain the information better. She would refer back to the flashcards when she was trying to form her own sentences, and they became a valuable tool in her language development.

💡 Use Flashcards for Reinforcement

Create flashcards with the word 'is' and simple sentences. Review them daily to reinforce learning and help children recognize the word in context.

“I remember the first time I sat down with my daughter to look up the word 'is' in the English dictionary — and honestly, I…”— Teaching Foreign Languages at Home editors

Creating a Language-Rich Environment at Home

is in english dictionary — Is In English Dictionary (the finished result) — The Finished Result

I made a point to use the word 'is' in our conversations at home. Whether we were talking about the weather or describing what we saw in the park, I made sure to use 'is' in every sentence. This helped my daughter hear the word in context and understand how it was used in real-life situations.

I also started reading aloud to her every day, and I made a point to use the word 'is' in the stories I read. This helped her see how the word was used in different ways — to describe states, conditions, and actions. It was a subtle but powerful way to teach her the language.

By creating a language-rich environment at home, I was able to help my daughter learn the word 'is' naturally. She didn't feel like she was being taught — she was just absorbing the language around her, and it made all the difference.

Encouraging Exploration and Curiosity

I made it a point to encourage my daughter to ask questions about the words she saw in the dictionary. We would look up words together and discuss what they meant. This helped her develop a sense of curiosity and a love for learning.

Encouraging exploration also helped her understand that learning is a process. She didn't get frustrated when she didn't understand a word right away — she just kept looking and asking questions until she did. This mindset made her a more resilient learner.

By encouraging her to explore the dictionary and ask questions, I was able to help her develop a deeper understanding of language. She became more confident in her abilities and more willing to take on new challenges in her learning.

Making Language Learning Fun and Interactive

I created a game where we would find the word 'is' in books and say sentences using it. This was a fun way to reinforce what we had learned in the dictionary. My daughter loved the game, and it helped her practice using the word in different contexts.

We also played a matching game where we would match the word 'is' with its definition and example sentences. This helped her see the connection between the word and its usage in a sentence. It was a simple but effective way to reinforce learning.

I found that making language learning fun and interactive helped my daughter stay engaged and enjoy the process. She didn't feel like she was being taught — she was just having fun, and that made all the difference.

Learning doesn't have to be serious — it can be fun and interactive.

Tracking Progress and Celebrating Success

I started keeping a chart of my daughter's progress, and I would put a sticker on it every time she used the word 'is' correctly in a sentence. This helped her see how far she had come and gave her a sense of accomplishment.

Celebrating small successes also helped her stay motivated. She would look at the chart every morning and see how many stickers she had earned. This made her feel proud of herself and encouraged her to keep learning.

Tracking progress and celebrating success helped my daughter stay motivated and confident in her learning. She felt like she was making real progress, and that made all the difference in her confidence and willingness to learn.

One approach, five waysMake It Your Way

📖 Interactive Dictionary Game

Use a dictionary to create a scavenger hunt game where children look for the word 'is' and use it in sentences.

🧩 Sentence Building Activity

Create sentence-building cards with the word 'is' and other words to help children form simple sentences.

🔍 No-Prep Language Hunt

Go on a language hunt around the house and find objects or situations where the word 'is' can be used.

👥 Group Language Activity

Invite friends over for a language activity where everyone uses the word 'is' in their sentences.

📊 Extension Activity: Grammar Practice

Create a grammar chart where children can practice using the word 'is' in different sentence structures.

Real questions, real answersFrequently Asked Questions

Why is the word 'is' important to teach?

The word 'is' is one of the most frequently used verbs in English. Teaching it early helps children form sentences and understand grammar, making it a crucial step in language development.

How can I help my child learn the word 'is'?

Use real-life examples, create flashcards, and encourage exploration of the dictionary. These methods help children understand the word in context and use it in their own sentences.

What are some fun ways to teach the word 'is'?

Create a scavenger hunt game, play a sentence-building activity, or go on a language hunt around the house. These activities make learning fun and engaging for children.

How can I track my child's progress in learning 'is'?

Keep a chart of your child's progress and celebrate small successes with stickers or other rewards. This helps them stay motivated and confident in their learning.

Can I use group activities to teach the word 'is'?

Yes, inviting friends over for a language activity where everyone uses the word 'is' in their sentences is a great way to make learning interactive and social.

Are there any common mistakes to avoid when teaching 'is'?

Avoid focusing only on the word's definition and not its usage. Make sure to provide context and examples to help children understand how the word functions in a sentence.

Get it right every timeCommon Mistakes & Easy Fixes

The mistake	Why it happens	The fix
Focusing only on the definition of 'is' without context.	Children need to see how the word is used in real-life situations to understand its function in a sentence.	Provide real-life examples and use the word in everyday conversations to help children see its practical use.
Not using visual aids to reinforce learning.	Visual aids like flashcards help children retain information better and understand the word in context.	Create flashcards with the word 'is' and simple sentences to help children recognize and use the word more easily.
Not encouraging exploration of the dictionary.	Exploring the dictionary helps children develop a sense of curiosity and a love for learning.	Make it a point to encourage children to ask questions and explore the dictionary together.
Not celebrating small successes.	Celebrating small successes helps children stay motivated and confident in their learning.	Keep a chart of your child's progress and celebrate their achievements with stickers or other rewards.