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I was or I were? It could be both! When we use the past tense of the be verb, for the first person we generally use was. I was. For today’s English Lesson, I’m going to show you some special cases when we use “I were” instead of the usual “I was.”
Here are the example sentences. To get the details of this English lesson, you need to listen to the podcast or the check the transcript for the details:
The basic uses of the be verb in English:
- I was at home all day yesterday. ←Singular subject
- The pen was on the table. ←Singular subject
- We were at home all day yesterday. ←Plural subject
- The pens were on the table.←Plural subject
Using I were with if.
- If I were taller, I would be a better basketball player.
- If Jack were here, he could fix the computer for us.
- If I were you, I would quit that job and get a better one.
Using I were with wish:
- I wish I were taller.
- I wish Jack were here to fix the computer.
- I wish I were good at sports!
If you know anyone who might be interested in this English language point, why not help them out! Just share this lesson with them. Thanks for studying today!
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Comments 4
Hi Michael,
I’ve heard some natives use was instead of were in phrases like those mentioned in your second examples above, even being gramatically incorrect. Is that a mistake to be avoided or is it aceptable in a informal enviroment?
Hi Sergio…I think you mean some native speakers use “was.” It’s acceptable, but not the best choice.
Hi Michael, And in negative sentences we also use were with wish? I mean: I wish I weren’t here righ now…
Hi Aga, Yes, that’s right..thanks for sharing 🙂