Was and were are past tense forms of the verb “to be.” They are used to describe situations that happened in the past. The difference usually depends on the subject of the sentence, but the choice can change in hypothetical or imagined situations.
Was vs. Were
In normal past-tense statements, was is used with singular subjects, while were is used with plural subjects.
When to Use Was vs. Were
The correct form depends on the subject of the sentence.
| Subject | Correct Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | was | I was at home yesterday. |
| You | were | You were late for class. |
| He / She / It | was | She was very tired. |
| We | were | We were excited about the trip. |
| They | were | They were waiting outside. |
Examples:
- She was happy to see her friend.
- They were excited to go on vacation.
- I was busy yesterday afternoon.
Collective and Indefinite Subjects
Some subjects look plural but are treated as singular, so they use was.
- Everyone was surprised.
- Someone was knocking at the door.
- Each student was given a worksheet.
Collective nouns such as team or family are usually treated as singular in American English.
- The team was ready to play.
- Her family was very supportive.
Using Were in Hypothetical Situations
In hypothetical or unreal situations, were is traditionally used for all subjects. This structure appears in conditional sentences and expressions of wishes.
Examples:
- If I were rich, I would buy a yacht.
- If she were taller, she could reach the shelf.
- I wish I were on vacation.
This usage is sometimes called the subjunctive mood because it describes situations that are imagined rather than real.
Informal Usage with “Was”
In everyday spoken English, people sometimes use was instead of were in hypothetical sentences.
- If I was late, I apologize.
This form appears frequently in casual speech, although were is generally preferred in formal writing.
Summary of Was vs. Were
| Situation | Form Used | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Singular subjects | Was | He was tired. |
| Plural subjects | Were | They were happy. |
| Hypothetical situations | Were (all subjects) | If I were you, I would leave. |
| Informal hypothetical speech | Was sometimes used | If I was wrong, I’m sorry. |
Last Updated on March 4, 2026
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