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Past Simple Was/Were Exercises

A1-A2 Level

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Question 1 of 200 correct so far

Question 1

Complete with the correct form of 'be' in past simple:

I (be) at home yesterday evening.

Grammar review

Was and were are the past forms of be. Use was with I, he, she and it. Use were with you, we and they.

This exercise mixes positive sentences, negatives, questions and short answers. The check I give beginners is simple: find the subject first, then choose the verb. For a question, move was or were before the subject. In a short answer, repeat it: "Were they ready?" "Yes, they were."

Quick Rule

I/he/she/it → was | you/we/they → were | question: was/were + subject

1.She was at home yesterday.
2.We weren't late for the film.
3.Was he tired? Yes, he was.

💡 Tips for Success

•Use 'was' with: I, he, she, it
•Use 'were' with: you, we, they
•For negatives: wasn't = was not, weren't = were not
•For questions: Was I...? Were you...?

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I use "was" and when do I use "were"?

Use "was" with I, he, she, it and one person or thing. Use "were" with you, we, they and plural nouns. "You" always takes "were", whether you mean one person or several people.

How do I make a question or short answer?

Put "was" or "were" before the subject: "Was she happy?" or "Were they at home?" Short answers repeat the same form: "Yes, she was", "No, she wasn't", "Yes, they were" or "No, they weren't".