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Lesson 31 grammar

Past simple — was / were
Module 1 · A0 Foundations

The first grammar you need.

Module 2 · A1 Core Grammar

The next step — actions, ability, and time.

What it is

Was and were are the past forms of 'be'. They describe states, places, feelings and ages in the past.

Look

  • I was at home yesterday.
  • We were in Paris last week.
  • They weren't happy.

Form

PositiveI / He / She / It + was · You / We / They + wereThey were at the beach.
Negativesubject + wasn't / weren'tThey weren't at the beach.
QuestionWas / Were + subject + …?Were they at the beach?
Short answerYes, they were. · No, they weren't.No, they weren't.

Form

Pattern

I / He / She / Itwas
You / We / Theywere

Use it when

  • You say where you were: I was at home.
  • You describe the past: The weather was awful.
  • You give past ages or dates.

Remember

  • was → I / he / she / it
  • were → you / we / they

More examples

  • Were you at school?
  • I was really tired last night.
  • The film wasn't very good.
  • Where were you yesterday?
  • We were students together.

Watch out!

  • I were tired.

    I was tired.

  • They was happy.

    They were happy.

Quick check

She ___ at home yesterday.

We ___ tired last night.

Lesson 31
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Module 3 · A1+ Extending Grammar

Comparing, planning, and connecting ideas.