Past Simple

Was/were – past simple of ‘be’

The verb “be” is a linking verb and one of the most frequently used verbs in English.

• Its past simple forms, “was” and “were”, are used to describe states, conditions, locations, or situations that existed in the past.
• These forms are essential for talking about what was true, what happened, or how things were at a specific time in the past.

Examples: ‘Was’ -Past Simple

• States: She was happy.
• Conditions: The weather was perfect.
• Locations: My phone was in my bag the whole time.
• Situations: I was busy yesterday.

Examples: ‘Were’ -Past Simple

• States: They were excited about the trip.
• Conditions: The roads were slippery after the rain.
• Locations: My friends were in London last summer.
• Situations: The students were confused by the question.

Rules for Using “Was” and “Were” -Past Simple

1. “Was”

• Used with singular subjects – I, he, she, it.

Examples– Past Simple

I was at the park yesterday.

She was very happy with her results.

It was raining last night.

• “Were”

• Used with plural subjects – We, you, they.
• Also used with “you” (whether singular or plural).

Read also: Day 21: Transitive & Intransitive Verb

Examples Past Simple

We were at the party last weekend.

They were playing football in the evening.

You were amazing in the play.

Negative Sentences

To form negative sentences, add “not” after “was” or “were”:

• Was not = Wasn’t

Example: He wasn’t at the meeting.

                She wasn’t happy with the results.

                 I wasn’t aware of the changes.

• Were not = Weren’t

Example: They weren’t ready for the exam.

                 We weren’t at the party last night.

                 The kids weren’t interested in the movie.

Questions

To form questions, invert “was” or “were” with the subject:

Was

Examples:

• Was she at the concert last night?
• Was it your idea to start this project?
• Was he the one who called you yesterday?

Were

Examples:

• Were you at the park yesterday?
• Were they happy with the results?
• Were we supposed to bring our own food?

Advanced Usage

1. Hypothetical Situations (Subjunctive Mood)

In hypothetical or imaginary situations, “were” is used even with singular subjects. This is called the subjunctive mood.

Examples:

• If I were rich, I would travel the world.
• If she were here, she would help us.
• If we were millionaires, we would donate to charity.

1. Past Continuous Tense

“Was” and “were” are also used in the past continuous tense to describe ongoing actions in the past.

Examples:

• I was studying when you called.
• They were playing while it started to rain.
• He was driving to work when he saw the accident.
• We were discussing the project when the manager entered the room.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using “was” with plural subjects:

• Incorrect: We was at the mall.
• Correct: We were at the mall.

Using “were” with singular subjects (except “you”):

• Incorrect: He were tired.
• Correct: He was tired.

Using “was” with “you”:

• Incorrect: You was great in the presentation.
• Correct: You were great in the presentation.

Examples in Context

Affirmative Sentences:

• I was at the gym this morning.
• They were excited about the trip.

Negative Sentences:

• She wasn’t feeling well yesterday.
• We weren’t able to finish the project on time.

Questions:

• Was he at the meeting?
• Were you at the concert last night?

Tips for Mastering “Was” and “Were”

Remember Subject-Verb Agreement:

• Singular subject = “Was”
• Plural subject = “Were”

Practice with Examples:

• Create your own sentences using “was” and “were” and practice speaking or writing them daily.

Read and Listen:

• Pay attention to how “was” and “were” are used in books, articles, movies, or podcasts.

Use Flashcards:

• Write down examples on flashcards and test yourself regularly.

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