Be

Question

Hello,I was reading a math book. I found the same type of sentence many times.A) Let the length of  the rectangle be x.I want to know whether the word "be" can be replaced by "is".Let the length of  the rectangle is x .Could anybody clear my doubt?Thanks.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

hanuman_2000I want to know whether the word "be" can be replaced by "is".

No. Absolutely not. The word "be" cannot be replaced by "is".

Now you know.

CJ

Hanuman_2000 · Answer

Sir,

I am still confused. please explain a little more.

Thanks.

Philip · Answer

Let dogs bark.

Let me go.

Let the people eat cake.

Plain form of the verb. Even if the verb is be. Let x be equal to y.

CalifJim · Answer

hanuman_2000I am still confused. please explain a little more.

be and is are different forms of the same verb, just as have and has are different forms of the same verb. Sometimes you use one form; sometimes you use another. The same is true for all other verbs. Which form you use depends on the context, especially on the verb that precedes.

After let you use be or have, not is or has.

Let Joe have a cookie. / NOT Let Joe has a cookie.
Let x be the number of cookies Joe ate. / NOT Let x is the number of cookies Joe ate.

CJ

Hanuman_2000 · Answer

CJ Sir,

Now things are very clear. You are a magician for me. I was refering dictionary but not able to get it.

Thanks Sir,

Be

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