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The use of "be" to indicate action instead of state. (Often followed with the word "like" which is another case study in meaning. Maybe "like" indicates the spe
by mythrwy 9y ago
The use of "be" to indicate action instead of state.
(Often followed with the word "like" which is another case study in meaning. Maybe "like" indicates the speaker is aware the portrayal isn't exactly as represented but close enough for the conversation?)
"I be like, you crazy".
"Bitch be all up in his face".
"He be walking home from school".
I don't think it's an error, but rather possibly a subtle meaning with this use of the word "be". Something like at that time, the subject "is" their action. And tense doesn't matter so much.
- pacaro 9y agoThis is an "aspect marker" that is distinctive of Ebonics/AAVE, and is grammatically distinct from other dialects of English. IIRC it either doesn't occur, or is rare, in Indo-European languages
- johan_larson 9y agoI remember reading an article about this. I think the "be" form distinguishes between current and habitual/regular action. He working. ==> He is working right now. He be working. ==> He works regularly./He has a steady job. Or maybe it's the other way around; I read the article a long time ago.
- jfaucett 9y agoYes you are right on with your examples. That is the way be is used.