How do you talk about how you felt yesterday, or where you were last week? “Was” and “were” are the past tense forms of “am,” “is,” and “are,” and they are your key to describing past states, feelings, and locations. 🎞️
Function & Usage
We use “was” and “were” to connect a subject with information about it in the past. Just like “is” and “are,” they show a state, not an action.
- Past States & Feelings: To describe how someone or something was at a past time.
Example: I was happy to see them. The weather was cold yesterday. - Past Location: To say where someone or something was.
Example: They were at the cinema last night. The keys were on the table. - Past Identity/Job: To talk about a past role or identity.
Example: He was a student. We were members of the same team.
The Structure (Form)
The form you use depends on the subject. The rule is simple and consistent.
| Subject | Positive (+) | Negative (-) | Question (?) |
|---|---|---|---|
| I / He / She / It | was | was not (wasn’t) | Was he…? |
| You / We / They | were | were not (weren’t) | Were they…? |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing up `was` and `were`: This is the most common error. Remember: `was` is for singular subjects (except ‘you’), and `were` is for plural subjects and ‘you’. Incorrect: “We was tired.” Correct: “We were tired.”
- Using `didn’t be`: For the negative past of ‘to be’, always use `wasn’t` or `weren’t`. Incorrect: “They didn’t be at the party.” Correct: “They weren’t at the party.”
Let’s see it in action! 🎬
Person A: Where were you yesterday? I called you.
Person B: I was at the library all day. My phone was off.
Person A: How was the concert?
Person B: It was amazing! The musicians were fantastic.
Friend 1: You weren’t in class this morning.
Friend 2: No, I wasn’t. I was sick, but I’m feeling better now.
Check Your Understanding! ✅
1. I very busy last week.
2. They not at home yesterday.
3. The weather beautiful on Sunday.
4. We friends in elementary school.
5. She at the meeting.
6. Where ___ you last night?
7. My keys ___ on the table, but now they’re gone.
8. He ___ tired after the long flight.
9. The children ___ very quiet.
10. ___ it a good movie?
