When to Use Was vs Were in English Grammar
The difference between was and were is a common topic in school grammar lessons, exams, and daily English use. Knowing the rules helps students write correct sentences and answer exam questions with confidence. Understanding this topic will also make your spoken English sound more natural and accurate.
| Form | Used With | Example |
|---|---|---|
| was | I, he, she, it (singular subjects) | She was at school yesterday. |
| were | We, you, they (plural subjects) Subjunctive/hypothetical (If I were) |
They were happy. If I were you, I’d try again. |
When to Use Was and Were: Rules Explained
Use was for singular subjects such as I, he, she, and it. Use were for plural subjects like we, you, and they. In hypothetical or conditional sentences, use were even with singular subjects (If I were tall…). These rules help you avoid common mistakes in fill-in-the-blank grammar and speaking tasks.
Was vs Were: Clear Examples for Students
- I was late for school. (singular)
- He was my best friend. (singular)
- You were very kind. (plural or singular ‘you’)
- We were on the same team. (plural)
- If she were here, she would help. (hypothetical)
Common Mistakes with Was and Were
- Using was instead of were with plural subjects. (Incorrect: They was happy.)
- Using were instead of was with singular subjects. (Incorrect: She were there.)
- Forgetting to use were in conditional sentences. (Incorrect: If I was you... Correct: If I were you...)
Quick-Reference Table: Was vs Were
| Subject | Was or Were | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| I | was | I was at the library. |
| He/She/It | was | It was raining. |
| You | were | You were correct. |
| We/They | were | We were excited. |
| If I/He/She/It (conditional) | were | If I were famous, I would travel. |
Practice: Was vs Were in Real Sentences
- The students ____ quiet in class. (Answer: were)
- My dog ____ very friendly yesterday. (Answer: was)
- If he ____ stronger, he could lift the box. (Answer: were)
- We ____ not ready for the test. (Answer: were)
- She ____ absent last week. (Answer: was)
Summary
Was and were are forms of the verb “to be” in the past tense. Use was for singular subjects and were for plural subjects or hypotheses. Mastering this rule helps with exams, spoken English, and writing. For extra help, see Vedantu’s detailed grammar resources and worksheets.
Need more tips? Check related resources like the Subject-Verb Agreement Exercise for Class 9 or Simple Past Tense page for further practice.
FAQs on Difference Between Was and Were: Definition, Rules & Usage
1. What is the difference between "was" and "were"?
"Was" is the past tense of the verb "to be" used with singular subjects (I, he, she, it). "Were" is used with plural subjects (we, you, they) and in the subjunctive mood for hypothetical situations.
2. When do I use "was"?
Use "was" with singular subjects like I, he, she, and it. For example: "I was at school." "She was happy."
3. When do I use "were"?
Use "were" with plural subjects like we, you, and they. Also use "were" with "you" (singular or plural). It's also used in the subjunctive mood: "They were playing." "If I were you..."
4. Can "were" be used with singular subjects?
Yes, "were" is used with singular subjects in the subjunctive mood to express hypothetical situations. For example: "If I were a bird...". This indicates something contrary to fact.
5. Is there a difference between "was" and "were" in the past continuous tense?
No, both are used. Use "was" with singular subjects and "were" with plural subjects. For example: "I was reading." "They were watching."
6. How do I use "was" and "were" in conditional sentences?
Use "were" for hypothetical conditions: "If I were rich...". For factual past conditions, use "was" or "were" based on the subject: "If it was raining...".
7. Can "was" and "were" be used interchangeably?
No, they cannot be used interchangeably. Subject-verb agreement is crucial. "Was" is for singular subjects, and "were" is for plural subjects (except in the subjunctive).
8. How do I choose between "was" and "were" in a sentence?
Identify the sentence's subject. Use "was" for singular subjects and "were" for plural subjects. For hypothetical situations, use "were" regardless of the subject.
9. What are common mistakes with "was" and "were"?
Common mistakes include using "was" with plural subjects or "were" with singular subjects (excluding the subjunctive). Always check subject-verb agreement.
10. Can "was" and "were" be used in the same sentence?
Yes, if referring to different subjects. Example: "I was at the park, and they were at the beach."
11. What is the subjunctive mood?
The subjunctive mood expresses a wish, a suggestion, a hypothetical situation, or something that is contrary to fact. It often uses "were" even with singular subjects.
12. How does the use of "was" and "were" affect indirect speech?
In indirect speech, "was" and "were" might change depending on the tense shift. For example, "He said, 'I was tired'" becomes "He said that he was tired" (no change needed here because it remains past tense). However, other tense changes can affect their usage within the indirect statement.
