What is the difference between there “was” and “were”
Hello. I have a question about the difference between “was” and “were”.
I have learned that you use “were” when the subject is plural and “was” when singular. Now the following sentence confuses me. The subject is plural (a restaurant and a bar) and the author uses “was” in this sentence. Why? Can I use “were” instead? If I can, is there any difference between the two?
I’d really appreciate your help. Thanks in advance.
... on the first floor there was a restaurant and a bar.
Top answer
On the first floor there was / were a restaurant and a bar. I'd say that both forms are acceptable. "Restaurant" and "bar" could be viewed as being so closely related as to be interpreted as a single entity, thus suggesting that singular "is" is correct, especially if the second "a" was dropped, cf.
- On the first floor there was / were a restaurant and a bar.
- I'd say that both forms are acceptable.
- "Restaurant" and "bar" could be viewed as being so closely related as to be interpreted as a single entity, thus suggesting that singular "is" is correct, especially if the second "a" was dropped, cf.
- On the first floor there was / were a restaurant and bar.
- Additionally, a preference for singular "is" may be semantically motivated by the fact that "a restaurant" and "a bar" are both singular noun phrases.
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On the first floor there was / were a restaurant and a bar.
I'd say that both forms are acceptable.
"Restaurant" and "bar" could be viewed as being so closely related as to be interpreted as a single entity, thus suggesting that singular "is" is correct, especially if the second "a" was dropped, cf. On the first floor there was / were
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