Was or Were - Basic English Grammar

In this video, learn how to use "was" and "were" correctly so you can improve your basic English grammar and speak English confidently.
Both "was" and "were" are the past forms of the verb "to be".
The verb "to be" is one of the most common verbs in English, and we use it in many different ways.
Your choice between "was" or "were" depends on the subject.
We use "was" for the subjects "I" and "3rd Person Singular (He/She/It).
We use "were" for the subjects "You", "We" and "They".
Most commonly we use the past simple of the verb "to be" in the past simple verb tense, the past continuous verb tense and the passive voice.
We'll discuss all three of these sentence structures in the video.
Watch the video now and learn how to use "was" and "were" so you can improve your basic English grammar, fix common English grammar mistakes and sound fluent in English.
Please subscribe for more videos to help you learn English and sound like a native English speaker!
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[@JForrestEnglish]

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[@kebbyaaronmoffat1262]

Hi J. How about you explain the following: "If I was/ were you...." Which one is right to use in this case?

[@modynna1]

You're truly a teacher. You really help us with our doubts. Leading us to a confident, fluent, and very efficient way to speak English. Thanks teacher.

[@JForrestEnglish]

Awe, what a nice compliment. Thank you! 😊

[@eheraalde]

omg! this is the 5th video. I was surfing in the KZbin looking for a useful channel for things I've forgotten in English. A very fluent and vivid narration that completely conveys the point! Thank youuuuu!!!!!

[@JForrestEnglish]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@modynna1]

The three examples are: she was at the party, last night. We were afraid of speaking English and the last one is... your class was really good. Thanks teacher.

[@JForrestEnglish]

You nailed all three!

[@tonysroomchat4827]

Always Clarifying our minds. thank You So Much Teacher!

[@JForrestEnglish]

My pleasure! It's always valuable to review the basics!

[@celestemejiaderuiz5010]

Perfect class! Thank you Teacher! Be Bless!

[@JForrestEnglish]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@celestemejiaderuiz5010]

Thank you so much!

[@ahmedramadan-xy5kt]

it's a great moment when i see your new post in my notification . i was amazed and feel happy keep going in your holy work .god bless you jennifer.

[@JForrestEnglish]

Awe, that's so nice to hear!

[@zahraziane9038]

I was confused between both of them but after watching this video now I see the difference thank you a bunch ❤️

[@JForrestEnglish]

So glad!

[@Abdi_sulaiman]

I was watching this video few minutes ago, and i got more info about using was and were. Really simply explain and thanks for everything. You gotta new subscriber is obviously i am

[@JForrestEnglish]

Glad it was helpful! And welcome to our community!

[@user-ex1kz7qx2x]

Hello. I'm mr.Thanai watching you from Bongkok, Thailand You're a geat English teacher.I very appreciate your teaching English for me. Thanks Thanai Bye

[@JForrestEnglish]

You are very welcome!

[@myenglishteachermissgreene538]

So much energy. Great for teaching.

[@JForrestEnglish]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@hdgodau]

Thanks !

[@muhammadshabbir8630]

Deary teacher Jennifer Your hardwork with this helpful and beneficial post is excellent. My beloved Jennifer

[@JForrestEnglish]

So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@rangaguru6258]

Good job you are great, love you again and again, and love your job.

[@JForrestEnglish]

Love you too! ❤

[@fernandoguizagamboa2447]

Thank you very much for this video, I confuse me with passive and active voice, but well my example is following, the video was recorded by Peter, the letter was sent from Canada.

[@JForrestEnglish]

Great job!

[@saurabhsingh8330]

Great video and thank you

[@JForrestEnglish]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@jhonygalan8399]

Thanks, JForrest. I loveyour videos.

[@JForrestEnglish]

I love you!

[@danyllohenrique4912]

You make it this subject easy to understand, thanks teacher

[@JForrestEnglish]

So glad you enjoyed the lesson, @danyllohenrique4912 ❤️

[@aparecidoferreiravais321]

Hi Jennifer nice to see you again Yesterday I was playing football (soccer) with my friends Thank you so much and have a lovely Thursday my beautiful teacher 😉🇧🇷

[@JForrestEnglish]

Awesome, sounds fun! How often do you play football?

[@aparecidoferreiravais321]

@@JForrestEnglish hi I play football sometimes but I prefer snooker and you which sport do you prefer😉👍

[@freedom8691]

I was learning English by watching your videos. You were teaching us through by KZbin.they students were comment as well as you teaching.

[@JForrestEnglish]

Great job practicing!

[@atallahlababdeh5690]

Thank you so much God bless you

[@JForrestEnglish]

Same to you.

[@atallahlababdeh5690]

You welcome

[@agnostic5673]

Thank you so much my teacher for halping us a lot❤🎉

[@JForrestEnglish]

Glad to hear that!

[@lucianapimenta9602]

The lesson perfect.

[@JForrestEnglish]

Thanks!

[@mouraddaoudi3424]

Thank you Jennifer Forrest. Yesterday they were there. This morning,she was working out. I was amazed by your videos and nothing changed about it. 😏

[@JForrestEnglish]

Whoo hoo, awesome examples! So did you work out today?

[@mouraddaoudi3424]

Yes I did work out today 😏

[@thesilentwarrior6769]

Thanks so much 😊

[@JForrestEnglish]

You're welcome, @thesilentwarrior6769! 👍

[@NishaMagar-rg9sv]

Thank you so much ❤

[@JForrestEnglish]

My pleasure! 😘

[@prabhanijayamalika736]

Was- she was going home yesterday Were- we were playing cricket yesterday. Passive- the cake was made by my mother. I like the lessons which were taught by miss Jennifer

[@MehulAhir_only1]

It's really good lecture.during lockdown period,teacher don't forget his duty as well as student.

[@JForrestEnglish]

Great job practicing! 👍

[@mohammedoutkhamou4518]

Thank you so much ur accent is amazing and clear and i can understand all what you say even my English pronunciation not good yet

[@JForrestEnglish]

So happy to hear that! Make sure you leave your example sentences to practice!

[@kebbyaaronmoffat1262]

@@JForrestEnglish Would you please explain the following too: "If I was/ were you, I would...." Which one are we supposed to use here?

[@uaimate8727]

i love your videos . Please do a video about if clauses its so hard for me.

[@JForrestEnglish]

Those can be tricky for sure. I'll add that to the list!

[@masteralpha9999]

Useful info, thanks a lot. 🎉

[@JForrestEnglish]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@deepvlog3185]

I am Indian ,, but I really big fan u ,, becouse ur way of teaching very good , thanks for providing me osm video for learning spekeaking

[@JForrestEnglish]

So glad to hear that!

[@zichozahil3076]

Thank you very mach

[@JForrestEnglish]

My pleasure!

[@mohandmeziane6440]

I was studying English far from this wonderful channel 🙃🥺🤣 but now it's my favorite Thank you so much

[@JForrestEnglish]

Haha, so happy that's all in the past now 🤣🤣🤣

[@sergeipetrov5572]

Hello Jennifer! Nice to see you! Here is my example: Yesterday I was at a private party. My friends and I were dancing and having fun there. When the party was over, I felt that I was drunk a little bit. This story is fiction, just for fun. Thank you so much for the lesson!

[@JForrestEnglish]

Wow, that's a fun story! What's your favourite drink?

[@sergeipetrov5572]

@@JForrestEnglish To be honest, my favorite drink is a high-quality vodka:) If the lady is next to me, then the choice of a drink depends on her.

[@JForrestEnglish]

@@sergeipetrov5572 Oh I like that reply. I'm more of a tequila girl myself ;) Remember that expression "top-of-the-line" from a few weeks ago. We could use that with Vodka and Tequila brands ;) Patron, for example, is a top-of-the-line Tequila brand. I don't know anything about Vodka though...

[@sergeipetrov5572]

@@JForrestEnglish I really appreciate your choice! Tequila plus salt plus a slice of lime and ... go ahead. The party could have to be hot. Tequila and vodka are similar products with a different base: cactus, and wheat respectively.

[@alialsalami7934]

Thank you so much

[@JForrestEnglish]

My pleasure!

[@mexicomo6942]

Excuse me I have a question in this sentence ( All of that (was/were) ) Perfect teacher.

[@BlueRoad_Vietnguyen]

Great Teaching Thanks Miss

[@JForrestEnglish]

My pleasure! Make sure you leave your example sentences :)

[@adamkassis3081]

Before lestening to you i was confusing about it.we were hoping the peace over the world.and still now. I was helped by you.thanks

[@JForrestEnglish]

I'm so happy to hear that!

[@reynaldomoleno9924]

You’re a fantastic!

[@JForrestEnglish]

Wow, thank you!

[@chra_artist9245]

Keep it up 🙌🙌🙌🙌you are successful

[@crazythings8099]

woow, im watching this video from india, and im so thankful, thank you soo much

[@JForrestEnglish]

My pleasure! 😘 Thanks for watching from India!

[@modynna1]

The answer is...I was surprised by the present. Thanks teacher

[@JForrestEnglish]

Exactly!

[@soufianebenmahbous6591]

thank you soo much . you are doing a great job. I'm so happy to subscribe in your channel I know I Will learn more

[@JForrestEnglish]

Wow, so great to have you! Can't wait to see your English improve!

[@Visionery1]

Jennifer, I'm not sure if you have, but it may be worthwhile doing a video explaining the difference between "there" and "their", and "where" and "were". Locally, where Afrikaans is a local language, one often also has the Afrikaans-speaker confusing "was" and "were", but in the sense of "we was there" / "I were there" / "I is here", but this has more to do with them translating directly from Afrikaans to English.

[@JForrestEnglish]

That’s a great question! I’ll add it to the list for a future video. 👩‍🏫

[@marinaramjit2526]

❤❤

[@mominask6370]

Hi Jenni! please make a video on how to use WOULD in various senses.

[@JForrestEnglish]

Sure, I'll add that to the list!

[@mominask6370]

Thank you Jenni!

[@luisleal2940]

Speechless 😶 Examples : I was running late for my movie last weekend , fortunately a movie takes too long to start because all trailers and advertising. Johnny depp was a good actor back in the day , Now he is a has been . I was astonished by Jennifer ‘s beauty since the first video I saw from her channel . I think the if conditional is important to mention . If It were up to me I’d give Jennifer an award 🥇 for her beauty and talent .

[@JForrestEnglish]

Yeah I totally forgot about conditional. 🤦‍♀️I guess a part 2 to this video 🤣

[@user-gt3dz9eg2e]

You were Great 👍

[@JForrestEnglish]

So glad you enjoyed the lesson, @user-gt3dz9eg2e ❤️

[@firashisino6057]

Thank you

[@JForrestEnglish]

My pleasure!

[@Ipadgaming77753]

Thankyousomuch mam.. Now iam clear

[@JForrestEnglish]

So glad to hear that!

[@rolphy3706]

In the near future I'd love to see you making a collaboration video with Vanessa from Speak English with Vanesa and the other one is Lucy from English with Lucy. That would be amazing. I hope you make it your goal.

[@JForrestEnglish]

Cool! Thanks for the suggestion :) 🥳

[@jogadalunar6894]

perfect class. i am from brazilll

[@JForrestEnglish]

So glad you enjoyed the lesson, @jogadalunar6894 ❤️

[@taouilabdelhadi6865]

Thanks

[@JForrestEnglish]

My pleasure!

[@birengiri9276]

Hello Jennifer ...how I should use was and we're when I'm describing a group of people .for example, a lot of people was there in front of my house or a lot of people were in front of my house .

[@JForrestEnglish]

It depends in the group is singular or plural. You can review these two lessons on that topic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eH3El2yVn62Er7M and kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYSxmqKIqLeHl6c

[@teamammcri2224]

Can you provide more examples where were is used with I like I wish I were you.

[@eusouprofessoradeingles]

Very good🙏

[@JForrestEnglish]

Thanks a lot!

[@jalaljahanshah5462]

Hi dear jeniffer.woulld you do a lesson on the words Conduct,Guide and Lead due to their usage please?.best wishes for you.

[@JForrestEnglish]

Sure, I'll add that to the list!

[@gitishirasb7874]

Perfect, 👌👌💖💖💖

[@JForrestEnglish]

Glad you think so!

[@huangchchuangchangheng8974]

Th e main use of the past tense is for events, conditions, or states that once existed in or during some past time but that do not exist in the present.(English Verbs Tenses up close). Is it right? He was a teacher.(Maybe he is a teacher or not a teacher.)

[@YouNeedJesusx]

Ive been speaking English for my whole life and i still didnt know the difference between were & was....thank u for this!!!😭

[@JForrestEnglish]

Keep practicing! You've got this! 🙌

[@mustafajawad8099]

Good to day to you prestigious teacher! May I use "being" always after them if past participle comes Was+being+v3 Were+being+v3

[@JForrestEnglish]

Great question! I'll answer that in a future lesson! 😁

[@mustafajawad8099]

Thank you ❤

[@dintoseby6732]

George was a good student. So were his friends... I was with your mother . When you were in Hospital... I was told not speak until you were informed... The children👶👧👦 were noisy .. I was available yesterday... My colleagues were kind to me... She was going to school by Bus

[@JForrestEnglish]

Wow, awesome job!

[@jessicayang2482]

Practice They were happy. He was drinking tea. The dishes were cooked by my mom.

[@JForrestEnglish]

Way to go! 🙌

[@josedanielhernandezherrera1719]

-I was excited to finally be a member of the band. -Mike and Sergio were recording songs. -The jewels were stolen by them.

[@JForrestEnglish]

You're on fire! 🔥

[@josedanielhernandezherrera1719]

@@JForrestEnglish Thanks! uwu

[@user-lw5du6qi7c]

Have a good day

[@JForrestEnglish]

Same to you!

[@Rollwithit699]

I've heard the comment, "If it were me, ...." and am confused about the usage of "were" in that context. Please advise. Thank you.

[@JForrestEnglish]

I explain that in the lesson, watch again.

[@Rollwithit699]

@@JForrestEnglish Sorry I missed that! Thank you for your response.

[@sehamhesham8005]

the day before I was with my friends. My mom and I were talking about memories.

[@JForrestEnglish]

Great!

[@tahirzaman5014]

Thanks you mam

[@JForrestEnglish]

Most welcome 😊

[@kenzachalhi6742]

She was smart I was reading some books I enjoyed the film The film was been enjoyed by me

[@JForrestEnglish]

You got it!

[@PakSnippets733]

Hello Jennifer, I hope you are doing well, Here are my examples. Past Simple: I was busy at the moment. We were busy at work. In the hall, they were afraid to speak English. Past Continuous: I was reading an article yesterday. He was threatening me. They were doing some special in the park. Passive I surprised by him I was kicked by him. We were caught by the police.

[@wajidahmad9357]

Hi mam when will you make a video on how to use comma and semicolon

[@JForrestEnglish]

Sure, I'll add that to the list!

[@manila122]

The problem with "was" is we don't know if base form of the verb will be use or + Ed +verb can you explain this mam. Ex was bore or was bored with ed

[@JForrestEnglish]

Always "ed" because it's an adjective.

[@josecordova8369]

I was reading my favorite book when my brother arrived. He was at home too late.

[@JForrestEnglish]

Awesome!

[@mohitexpert1004]

I'm Mohit Sharma and I'm from India 🇮🇳 I'm so happy 😊

[@JForrestEnglish]

Thanks for watching! 😁

[@azzaal-shara8465]

Yesterday I woke up early.. .I was eating an apple I love it... The chair is broken by him..

[@JForrestEnglish]

Awesome job practicing!

[@avinashnarsigadoo6066]

Hello Jennifer, these are my examples: Yesterday l was painting my canvas. Last Saturday my parent and l went to a dinner. - My mom made lunch for me. I was made a lunch by my mom. If l have made a mistake tell me Jennifer!!!!😃😘

[@JForrestEnglish]

Great job!

[@mohammedamir1260]

why you used ed in surprised in passive not ing ( was + ing )

[@JForrestEnglish]

Because that's how we form the passive ;)

[@shahzadahmedqayyum9782]

I was watching your video when my husband came home. After watched video i cooked meal for both of us. .yesterday i went for grosry shipping. Yesterday i listened a romantic song. ( i m bigner and this is my first comment. I jusut watched your video and subscribed. Mrs Shahzad

[@JForrestEnglish]

So happy to hear that! Welcome, it's great to have you!

[@shahzadahmedqayyum9782]

Thanks

[@vibesbynody]

The past simple : He was late . Past continues: they were studying together. Passive form: it was afraid of me.

[@JForrestEnglish]

Way to go! 🙌

[@shanmugavigneshappadurai2185]

Well Jennifer! I believe this video was uploaded on yesterday, but my internet connection was shutdown. So I'm not able to watch it. My children's were playing in the cricket ground yesterday.

[@JForrestEnglish]

You got it!

[@shanmugavigneshappadurai2185]

@@JForrestEnglish Thank you!!!

[@AS-xo4ne]

Which word is correct peoples or people?

[@JForrestEnglish]

Peoples doesn't exist.

[@Ameen_shaikh277]

How can I cantact with you teacher

[@heinhtetaung4819]

I was joy last week. They were playing in the park yesterday. My cat was killed last night.

[@JForrestEnglish]

Awesome examples! 👏 Sorry about your cat :(

[@Diamhack]

I am trying to get higher score at the match while i was achived my truly score last time My best friends were late last time I was traumatized by her beauty

[@JForrestEnglish]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@hasanabbas3632]

Hi Jennifer Yesterday ,I was enjoying party .

[@JForrestEnglish]

Glad to hear that!

[@m.js.a.b.]

Yesterday I was playing soccer, what were you doing when I call you, the last Saturday I had a birthday party it was awesome

[@JForrestEnglish]

Great examples! So was it your birthday last week?

[@m.js.a.b.]

No , I just used it for example , my birthday is in July

[@maazahmedshaikh9610]

The present surprise me.

[@JForrestEnglish]

Just add the "ed" to "surprise" ;)

[@sabrinaabosefen3685]

❤❤❤

[@JForrestEnglish]

Thanks for watching! 😁

[@gesnermeneus1069]

Number 1

[@JForrestEnglish]

Glad you think so!

[@manila122]

'We're " is where I was confuse look the examples mam. s +was/were+V+ Ing right mam that's the rule example: He was carrying, but the problem is this "he was bored" s+was/were+ V+Ed has no formula like this that you teach us mam.please explain why mam

[@SONAM_Y]

✨ Simple Past 1. Yesterday , I was angry at her. 2. She was a dancer 3. They were very helpful to me. ✨ Past Continuous 1. Tony was giving speech that day 2. I was thinking about you 3. We were going to the park. ✨ Passive voice 1. We were disappointed by you 2. I was requested by her.

[@JForrestEnglish]

WHOO HOO!

[@asifch7558]

😍😍

[@JForrestEnglish]

Thanks for watching!

[@Hhjjiinvh]

I was shy. We were getting ready. English was understand by me. ( please response if I’m wrong or right) 😢

[@JForrestEnglish]

Amazing job! 🥳

[@jsephhd]

I would like to know more about how to use it without pronouns e.g. - There was magic in the air - There weren't any doughnuts left - Ari and Dante were two peas in a pod? - Those people were laughing at me - The faith was strong What about using my feet were/was frozen vs. those feet were frozen?

[@JForrestEnglish]

Nice!

[@crazythings8099]

ma'am, in this question, - 'No sooner _____ Sara presented with the award than she started crying' what will be the answer out of 'was', 'has', 'had' and 'is' and can you please explain.

[@JForrestEnglish]

Sure!

[@hodaismail3924]

We were at the party yesterday I was cooking when phone ringing They were singing with live music

[@JForrestEnglish]

Excellent subject verb agreement!

[@adambaky9239]

Past simple: I was in the club yesrterday. past continous: They were playing football, when their mum called them. passive voice: I was called by my mother

[@JForrestEnglish]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@ferminaltan7590]

1:01 2:33

[@mieral]

Yesterday i was playing video games, she was eat her medicine , they were awesome group.

[@JForrestEnglish]

Oh nice!

[@karla__m]

My mom was late in her app. I was your friend ten years ago. we were studying at bret harte. he was your boyfriend in HS. you were best friend.