Introduction

• The verb “to be” helps us describe something or someone. When talking about the past, we use was and were, the past tense forms of “to be.”
• It’s important to know when to use was and were to talk about things that have already happened.

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Past Tense Forms of “To Be”:

• Was

1. Used with I, he, she, it or any singular noun (one person, place, or thing).
2. Example:
   • I was happy yesterday.
   • She was in the park.
   • The cat was sleepy.

• Were

1. Used with you, we, they or plural nouns (more than one person, place, or thing).
2. Example:
   • You were at school.
   • They were playing outside.
   • The dogs were barking.

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How to Use “Was” and “Were”:

• Identify the Subject:

1. Look at the subject of the sentence (who or what the sentence is about).
2. If the subject is singular (I, he, she, it), use was.
3. If the subject is plural (we, they) or you, use were.

• Form a Complete Sentence:

1. Put the correct form of “to be” (was or were) in the sentence to show something that happened in the past.
2. Example:
   • I was at the store.
   • They were at the park.

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Examples:

• With “Was”

1. I was six years old last year.
2. She was tired after school.
3. The sky was blue yesterday.

• With “Were”

1. You were my classmate.
2. We were playing soccer last week.
3. The birds were singing this morning.