were

¹

[wur, wer, wair]

verb

1. a second person singular past indicative; first, second, and third person plural past indicative; and past subjunctive of be.

we're

²

[weer]

1. contraction of we are:

   We're happy to see you.

were

¹

/ wɜː, wə /

verb

1. the plural form of the past tense (indicative mood) of be and the singular form used with you. It is also used as a subjunctive, esp in conditional sentences

we're

²

/ wɪə /

contraction

1. we are

Usage

See contraction.

Were, as a remnant of the past subjunctive in English, is used in formal contexts in clauses expressing hypotheses ( if he were to die, she would inherit everything ), suppositions contrary to fact ( if I were you, I would be careful ), and desire ( I wish he were there now ). In informal speech, however, was is often used instead

Grammar Note

See subjunctive.

Word History and Origins

Origin of were¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English wǣre past subjunctive, wǣre 2nd-person singular past and wǣron 2nd-person plural past of wesan “to be”; cognate with Dutch, German waren, Danish var. See was

Word History and Origins

Origin of were¹

Old English wērun, wæron past tense plural of wesan to be; related to Old Norse vera, Old Frisian weria, Old High German werōn to last

Example Sentences

I heard multiple people around me last night saying, “Oh, my God,” as they were laughing.

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The country’s iron-ore imports were consequently at a monthly record high in September.

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U.S. stock futures and global equities markets were in the red Tuesday amid a general move away from riskier assets.

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Those who had taken melatonin for at least one year were classified in the "melatonin group," while individuals with no record of melatonin use were placed in the "non-melatonin group."

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"The times with Wings were exciting because we built up to it and eventually we hit the big time," he said.

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