033_LTR43553_A_G_GT.pdf
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Grammar PAST TENSE
OF BE: WAS, WERE
When Do You Use
Was and Were?
© National Geographic Learning, a part of Cengage Learning, Inc.
When You Tell About the Past
The verb be has special forms to tell about the present and the past.
Earlier
Now
Later
Past
Future
Past Tense
Present Tense
I was
I am
you were
you are
he, she, or it was
he, she, or it is
we were
we are
they were
they are
Present:Dave is uncomfortable in so many clothes.
Past:He was uncomfortable with his appearance.
Present:His clothes are all too tight now.
Past:They were fine before.
Try It
A. Say each sentence. Then say it with the past tense of the verb.
1. I am a healthy, strong athlete.
2. Unfortunately, my weight is rather low. My muscles are tiny.
3. Extra clothing is a good trick.
B. What did you think of “Heartbeat”? Write two sentences with was
and were.
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