* Verb: This is the most common use of "be." It acts as a linking verb, connecting the subject to a predicate nominative or predicate adjective.
* Example: "She is happy." ("Is" links "She" to the adjective "happy")
* Auxiliary Verb: "Be" can also work as a helping verb, combining with other verbs to create tenses or moods.
* Example: "I am going to the store." ("Am" helps "going" to form the present continuous tense)
* Noun: "Be" can function as a noun, usually in philosophical or religious contexts.
* Example: "To be or not to be, that is the question."
* Adjective: While less common, "be" can also act as an adjective in some cases.
* Example: "The be all and end all of her existence."
The context of the sentence will determine which part of speech "be" is functioning as.