English can be tricky, especially when it comes to using the correct past tense forms of the verb to be. Many people stumble over whether to say was there or were there — and it’s not just a simple grammar quiz.
The right choice depends on subtle but important rules about number, mood, and context.
This guide breaks it all down clearly, so you’ll never hesitate again when deciding between was and were.
Is it “was there” or “were there”? The answer depends on whether the subject is singular or plural—and sometimes on whether you’re talking about real or hypothetical situations. Learn the quick rules that clear up this common grammar dilemma!
Breaking Down the Basics of “Was” and “Were”
At their core, was and were are past tense forms of the verb to be. They tell us something happened or existed in the past.
But unlike many verbs, to be changes depending on the subject — who or what we’re talking about — and even the mood or tone of the sentence.
- Was is typically used with singular subjects (I, he, she, it).
- Were is used with plural subjects (you, we, they).
- But there’s more: were also appears in certain hypothetical or imaginary situations.
Knowing when to use each word helps you express facts clearly or talk about wishes and possibilities.
The Past Tense of “To Be”: Singular and Plural Distinctions
Understanding singular vs. plural is the key to deciding between was and were.
| Subject | Past Tense of “To Be” | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | was | I was at the store. |
| He/She/It | was | She was happy yesterday. |
| You (singular) | were | You were on time. |
| We | were | We were excited. |
| They | were | They were late. |
If your subject is singular, go with was. If plural, choose were. For example:
- Correct: There was a cat on the roof. (one cat)
- Correct: There were cats on the roof. (multiple cats)
When “Was” Meets Reality: Indicative Mood in Use
The indicative mood is the one we use when stating facts, real events, or asking questions about reality.
- Use was with singular subjects:
I was at the meeting.
He was late for class. - Use were with plural subjects:
They were at the park.
We were happy to help.
Indicative sentences reflect what actually happened or what is true in the past.
Exploring “Were” in the Imaginary: The Subjunctive Mood
Here’s where it gets interesting. The subjunctive mood expresses hypothetical, wishful, or unreal situations. In this mood, were often replaces was, even with singular subjects.
Examples:
- If I were you, I’d apologize.
- She acts as if she were the boss.
- I wish it were sunny today.
Notice how we don’t say “If I was you” or “I wish it was sunny” in formal writing. Using were signals the imaginary or contrary-to-fact nature of the statement.
If I Was Versus If I Were: Choosing the Correct Form
The phrase if I were is the classic example of the subjunctive mood in action. It’s used when imagining something impossible or unlikely.
- Correct: If I were rich, I would travel the world. (But I’m not rich.)
- Incorrect (in formal writing): If I was rich, I would travel the world.
However, in casual spoken English, many people say if I was. It’s widely accepted informally but best avoided in formal contexts to maintain clarity.
How Context Influences the Use of “Was” and “Were”
Context is king. Sometimes, the decision between was and were depends less on strict rules and more on meaning.
For example:
- There was a lot of noise last night. (Refers to one amount, singular idea)
- There were a lot of noises coming from the street. (Plural, multiple noises)
Similarly, in storytelling or poetic contexts, writers may choose were for stylistic reasons, especially when evoking a dreamlike or hypothetical scene.
“There Was” or “There Were”: Matching the Verb to the Subject
The phrase there was or there were always confuses learners because there acts as a dummy or expletive subject — it doesn’t mean anything by itself.
What matters is the real subject that follows:
- Singular subject → There was
- Plural subject → There were
Examples:
- There was a book on the table. (one book)
- There were five books on the table. (multiple books)
Understanding Singular versus Plural Subjects
Sometimes identifying the subject can be tricky, especially with collective nouns or indefinite pronouns.
- Collective nouns like team or family usually take singular verbs:
The team was victorious. - But if you’re emphasizing individuals, plural verbs might appear:
The team were arguing among themselves. (British English)
Indefinite pronouns like everyone or someone are singular and take was:
- Everyone was surprised by the news.
The Role of “There” in Sentences: Expletive Constructions Explained
There can function as an expletive—a word that fills the sentence but has no real meaning, mainly used to introduce a subject later.
Example:
- There were many people at the party. (The real subject is many people.)
In these constructions, the verb agrees with the subject that comes after there, not with there itself.
Common Mistakes and Tips to Remember
Even native speakers mix up was and were. Here are some frequent errors and how to fix them:
- Saying If I was instead of If I were (subjunctive mood).
- Using there was with plural nouns: There was many cars (incorrect).
- Confusing singular/plural agreement: He were late (incorrect).
Tips to Avoid Mistakes:
- Ask yourself: Is the subject singular or plural? Use was for singular, were for plural.
- For imaginary or hypothetical situations, use were.
- When in doubt with there was/were, identify the actual subject following there.
❓ FAQs Section
1. When do I use “was there” vs. “were there”?
Use “was there” for singular subjects (e.g., one item or person) and “were there” for plural subjects (multiple items or people).
2. Can “were” be used with singular subjects?
Yes, in the subjunctive mood, which expresses hypothetical or unreal situations (e.g., “If I were you…”).
3. What is the subjunctive mood?
It’s a verb form used for wishes, hypotheticals, or things contrary to fact, often replacing “was” with “were” for singular subjects.
4. How do I decide between “was” and “were” with the word “there”?
“The verb agrees with the real subject after ‘there.’” If the subject is singular, use “was there.” If plural, use “were there.”
5. Are there exceptions to these rules?
Some collective nouns can take singular or plural verbs depending on context, especially in British English (e.g., “The team was” vs. “The team were”).
6. What common mistakes should I avoid?
Avoid saying “If I was you” in formal writing (use “If I were”). Don’t match “there was” with plural subjects—always check the subject’s number.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between was there and were there boils down to understanding the subject’s number and whether you’re stating facts or imagining possibilities.
With practice, spotting the right form becomes second nature. Whether writing formally or chatting casually, mastering this difference will help your English sound polished and clear.
