“Was” and “were” are the past tense forms of the verb “to be.” Knowing when to use each correctly is essential for good grammar. Here are some common mistakes:

Subject-Verb Agreement Errors

• Singular subjects: Use “was.”
  • Example: I was late for school.
• Plural subjects: Use “were.”
  • Example: They were happy to see us.

Confusing Subjects with Prepositional Phrases

• Incorrect: The box of chocolates was delicious.
  • Explanation: “Chocolates” is the subject, so it should be “were.”
• Correct: The box of chocolates were delicious.

Indefinite Pronouns

• Singular indefinite pronouns: Use “was.”
  • Example: Everyone was tired after the party.
• Plural indefinite pronouns: Use “were.”
  • Example: Many people were late.

Practice Exercises:

1. I (was/were) hungry.
2. The books (was/were) on the table.
3. Everyone (was/were) happy.
4. The box of chocolates (was/were) delicious.
5. My friends (was/were) late.

Answers:

1. was
2. were
3. was
4. were
5. were

“Was” or “Were” Practice

Identify the correct verb form in each sentence.

1. The children (was/were) playing outside.
2. I (was/were) late for school.
3. My friends (was/were) happy to see me.
4. The box of cookies (was/were) delicious.
5. Everyone (was/were) tired after the long day.
6. The books (was/were) on the shelf.
7. My parents (was/were) out of town.
8. The dog (was/were) barking at the mailman.
9. The cat (was/were) sleeping on the couch.
10. The flowers (was/were) beautiful.

Answers:

1. were
2. was
3. were
4. were
5. was
6. were
7. were
8. was
9. was
10. were