The quick answer

Use was with I, he, she and it. Use were with you, we and they. Both words are the past of be, so they tell us how something was before, not now.

The rule

English uses one word for the past of be with some people and another word with the others. There is no long rule to learn and no ending to add. You only need to remember which person takes which word, and then use it in every kind of sentence.

We use was and were to talk about places, feelings, weather, ages and times in the past. I was tired tells us about the past. I am tired tells us about now.

Form

Examples

• I was at the park yesterday.
• He was very tired last night.
• The weather was cold in January.
• We were in the same class.
• You were late this morning.
• They were happy with the food.

Common mistakes

• ❌ They was at home. → ✅ They were at home. They always takes were.
• ❌ I were tired. → ✅ I was tired. I always takes was.
• ❌ She no was here. → ✅ She was not here. Put not after was.
• ❌ You was late? → ✅ Were you late? Put were first in a question.