behave The word "behave" is a verb used to describe a person’s actions and attitude. simple | past | past participle |
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behave | behaved | behaved |
- The students behaved well in class today.
- We expect everyone at the party will behave.
- You don’t have to worry about anyone behaving badly. (The word "behaving" is a gerund in this sentence.)
- Everyone behaves when the boss is in the office.
- David’s mother told him that if he didn’t behave she wouldn’t take him to the park.
- Faduma was not behaving properly at the dinner table.
- Please, behave. (This is a command.)
- Please behave yourself. (Said to one person.)
- Please behave yourselves. (Said to more than one person. Notice the use of reflexive pronouns with the word "behave.")
- Those people clearly don’t know how to behave.
You can also use the word "behave" for an animal or a thing: - My car has been behaving strangely lately.
- Rick’s puppy doesn’t know how to behave when it’s in the house.
- Plants and trees behave according to the environment in which they grow.
The word "behavior" is a noun: - The boy’s behavior is so bad he can’t remain in school.
- His behavior is becoming an issue.
- The man’s behavior is embarrassing.
- He embarrassed himself with his bad behavior.
- We were offended by the behavior of a rude couple on the plane.

His behavior has been very odd lately. To be on one’s best behavior is a type of expression: - The children are on their best behavior.
- He’s on his best behavior.
- She’s on her best behavior.
- You had better be on your best behavior today.
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