past verb
To have a particular identity, name, job, or relationship in the past.
We were close friends.
They were my neighbors.
American English
How to pronounce were
verb · auxiliaryA1Very common word
WER
/wɚ/
One syllable.
Form of be
To have a particular identity, name, job, or relationship in the past.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
past verb
To have a particular quality, feeling, or condition in the past.
The children were tired.
The flowers were beautiful.
past verb
To be in a particular place or position in the past.
We were at the beach all day.
The keys were on the table.
past verb with there
Used with there to say that two or more things existed or were present in the past.
There were two seats left.
There were many people at the concert.
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.