Sentance grammar

Question

When is it appropriate to use was vs were in a sentance?

Hius22000 · Accepted Answer

Usually "was" is for a singular item/person
"were" is for plural.

For example: Yesterday, I was at work
Yesterday, we were at work

However, there might be exceptions, such as "I wish I were rich" or "He said he were there".

Yoong Liat · Answer

hius22000He said he were there"

Shouldn't it be "He said he wasthere"?

BarbaraPA · Answer

hius22000As simple past,

~~Usually~~ "was" is for a singular item/person Was is for I and he/she/it/other 3rd person singular

"were" is for plural. Were is for you, we, and they.

For example: Yesterday, I was at work [y]

Yesterday, we were at work [y]

However, there might be exceptions, such as "I wish I were rich" Yes, this is called the subjunctive. It's an extremely complicated subject, but when you are referring to something that is not real, you use this form. I wish I were rich as you said, or If only he were rich and smart, instead of handsome, poor, and stupid.

or "He said he were there". [n] -- this is not correct.

Yoong Liat · Answer

Thanks, GG, for confirming that "He said he were there".

is not correct.

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