were
Translation
were
Examples
They were happy.
They were happy.
We were at home.
We were at home.
You were running.
You were running.
If I were you, I would go.
If I were you, I would go.
Grammar Patterns
((subject)) were ((adjective/noun)) to describe a past state. They were students.
((subject)) were ((prepositional phrase)) to indicate a past location. We were at the station.
((subject)) were ((-ing verb)) to form the past continuous. You were talking.
If ((subject)) were... to express a hypothetical situation. If I were you, I'd rest.
Similar Words
Synonyms: existed, lived; Antonyms: weren't (were not)
Etymology
From Old English 'wǣron', the past plural and subjunctive form of the verb 'to be'.
Memory Tips
Use 'were' for plural subjects (we, they) and 'you' in the past tense. Also used in hypothetical 'if' clauses: 'If I were...'