English grammar › A2
was and were
Level A2 · I was · they were
What is the past of be?
be has two past forms: was and were. You use them to say where people were, how things were, or what someone was.
When you use it
- Feelings in the past: I was tired.
- Places in the past: They were at work.
Pattern
I / he / she / it was · you / we / they were
Examples
- The film **was** great. — one thing → was
- **Were** you at home? — question: were first
Same person split as am / is / are.
The rule
The past of be: was with I / he / she / it, were with you / we / they.
Now → then: I am tired. → I was tired yesterday.
Common mistakes
- Not:
They was late.— But: They were late. - Not:
Did you were there?— But: Were you there?
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