Linking verb; used to show that someone or something is the same as the subject: Its me / Lack of money is our

biggest problem/ If I were you, I shouldnt do it. The problem/difficulty etc. is doing something: Te problem is explaining it to her in a tactful way. The problem/difficulty etc. is to do something : The difficulty is to know what to do for the best. The fact /idea is that etc. is (that) : The problem is that you know too much.

Used

to show a position or a time: Where is Simon? /Jane is upstairs/The concert was last night/ The party is on Saturday. Used to show that someone or something belongs to a group or has a particular quality: Snow is white/ Horses are animals/These shoes are mine/We are hungry/ Im not ready/A knife is for cutting with. Be that as it may formal used to say that even though you accept that something is true it does not change the situation: James has been under a lot of pressure at work recently Be that as it may, he ought to spend time with his family

To exists: That is just how it is. Let / leave something be to let a situation remain as it is without trying to change it: You just have to let some things be.

There to be

In sentences which say that something exists (or does not exist) somewhere, we usually use there as a kind of preparatory subject, and put the real subject after a verb: There is a hole in my shirt ( More natural than A hole is in my shirt)/There is ice on the mountain ( More natural than Ice is on the mountain)

There are is used with plural subjects: I dont know how many people there are in the waiting room. However , theres can begin with plural subjects in informal speech: Theres two policemen at the door, Dad./Theres some grapes in the fridge, if you are still hungry. There can be used with modal verb + be, and with some other verbs (e.g. Some, appear, happen, tend.) before be: There might be drinks if you wait a bit./There must be someone at home ring again./if the police hadnt closed the road there could have been a bad accident./There seem to be some problems.

Could you be quiet please? There happens to be a lecture going on. / There tends to be jealousy when a little brother comes along. Note the structure there is certain/sure/likely/bound to be: There is sure to be trouble when she gets his letter./ Do you think theres likely to be snow? Infinitives (there to be) and ing forms (there being) are also used: I dont want there to be any more trouble / Whats the chance of there being an election this year? Bibliography: Practical English Usage (Michael Swam)/ Cambridge International dictionary of English/How English works (Michael Swam/Catherine Walter)