past verb
Had a particular identity, name, job, or relationship in the past.
He was a doctor.
That was my old office.
American English
How to pronounce was
verb · auxiliaryA1Very common word
WUHZ
/wəz/
One syllable.
Form of be
Use was with I, he, she, and it. Use were with you, we, and they.
Had a particular identity, name, job, or relationship in the past.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
past verb
Had a particular quality, feeling, or condition in the past.
She was happy after the exam.
The soup was hot.
past verb
Was in a particular place or position in the past.
He was at home all evening.
The book was on the desk.
past verb
Was used with there to say that one thing existed or was present in the past.
There was a problem with the printer.
There was a long line outside.
Useful expressions
to plan or expect to do something in the future
I'm going to call her tonight.
to have the ability or opportunity to do something
She is able to work from home.
to be ready to do something very soon
The train is about to leave.
Related words & forms
beinggerundbeenpast participlewerepast with you, we, or theywaspast with I, he, she, or itampresent with Iarepresent with you, we, or theyispresent with he, she, or it
Be has irregular forms. Say “I am,” “he is,” and “you are”; in the past, use “was” with I/he/she/it and “were” with you/we/they.