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Usenet Posted 22 years ago
Usage

When to use 'was' or 'were'

I'm having a problem. I can't figure out when to use 'was' or 'were.' Here is an example: "Many people's power (was or were) abused." My strong inclination is to use 'were' in that sentence, but my "grammar checker" on word says to use "was" in many sentences like that one, which sounds very out of place for me. Which is right, "were," or "was?" And if it is "was" then why?
Thanks,
Brad
  

Top answer

[nq:1]I'm having a problem. 'Here is an example: "Many people's power ... which sounds very out of place for me.

— Usenet

  • [nq:1]I'm having a problem.
  • 'Here is an example: "Many people's power ...
  • which sounds very out of place for me.
  • [/nq] Your checker is right.
  • The people were not abused.
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4 Answers
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[nq:1]I'm having a problem. I can't figure out when to use 'was' or 'were.'Here is an example: "Many people's power ... which sounds very out of place for me. Which is right, "were," or "was?" And if it is"was" then why?[/nq]
Your checker is right. The people were not abused. Their power was abused.

Adrian
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Many people's power WAS abused. Since sentence is talking about "power" and "power" is singular.
As per English grammar:
WAS for singular
WERE for plural

Jesus Torres
Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania
USA
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[nq:1]I'm having a problem. I can't figure out when to use 'was' or 'were.'Here is an example: "Many people's power ... very out of place for me. Which is right, "were," or "was?" And if it is"was" then why? Thanks, Brad[/nq]
"Was" is correct. The subject of this sentence is "power" - singular.

Pluralize power and you get "The powers of many people "were" abused."
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[nq:1]I'm having a problem. I can't figure out when to use 'was' or 'were.' Here is an example: "Many people's ... sounds very out of place for me. Which is right, "were," or "was?" And if it is "was" then why?[/nq]
Was is right, because "power" is singular.

Steve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa
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