The Great Divide: Exploring 'Was' and 'Were' in English Grammar

Understanding the correct usage of 'was' and 'were' in English can significantly enhance your writing and communication skills. Both 'was' and 'were' are past tense forms of the verb 'to be', but they serve distinct purposes and follow specific rules. Let's delve into the nuances and guidelines to master these fundamental grammatical elements.

What is the 'to be' Family?

Firstly, it's essential to understand the 'to be' family in its entirety. The verb 'to be' has seven forms, with 'was' and 'were' being part of the past tense category. 'Was' is the past tense form for third-person singular (he, she, it), while 'were' is used for second-person singular, second-person plural, and third-person plural (you, we, they).

Conjugations of 'Was' and 'Were'

Let's explore the complete conjugation of both 'was' and 'were' for a better understanding:

Was:

I was You [singular] were He / she / it was We were You [plural] were They were

Were:

I were You [singular] were He / she / it were We were You [plural] were They were

It's crucial to differentiate between the correct forms and the subjunctive mood, where 'were' can be used as a singular subject to form a conditional sentence or a wish.

Specific Usage and Examples

Use of 'Was': 'Was' is singular and should be used to describe a single person, object, event, or entity. Here are some examples:

I was given the chance to see the famous singer at the backstage. At 6 feet 7 inches, Mr. Noble was a very tall man. She was not allowed to wear lipstick until she turned sixteen. Our cat was white, and we called him Snowy. My son was a keen Carlton supporter and often wore a Blues footy jumper at weekends. The weather was frightful that day, the rain poured down, and we were soaked. It was my birthday last Friday.

Use of 'Were': 'Were' is plural and applies to multiple people, objects, or entities. Here are some examples:

The identical twins were named James and John. The girls in that family were all very good at dancing. Both of the cats were black, so we called one Sooty and the other Blackie. My sons were both keen footballers and played in the Firsts every week.

Exceptions: There are exceptions to this rule when 'if' and 'were' are used in the same sentence to form conditional or hypothetical statements:

If I were a blackbird, I'd whistle and sing. If only I were twenty-three and not eighty-three . . . . If wishes were horses, beggars would ride. If you were to fall off that pony, you could be hurt, so slow down!

These exceptions demonstrate the flexibility of English grammar and the subjunctive mood.

Conclusion

Mastering the usage of 'was' and 'were' will not only improve your grammar but will also enhance your ability to convey your thoughts clearly. By familiarizing yourself with the rules and examples provided, you can use these forms effectively in your writing and speech.