"was the use of" vs "were the use of"

Question

"was the use of" vs "were the use of"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Was the use of' is used when referring to a singular noun or a singular concept, while 'were the use of' is used when referring to plural nouns or concepts. The choice between 'was' and 'were' depends on the subject being singular or plural.

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

Use 'was the use of' when the subject is singular, such as 'was the use of this tool effective?'

Examples:

Was the use of technology beneficial in this case?
Was the use of resources efficient in the project?

Alternatives:

was the utilization of
was the application of
was the implementation of
was the employment of
was the utilization of

Use 'were the use of' when the subject is plural, such as 'were the use of these methods effective?'

Examples:

Were the use of different strategies helpful in achieving the goal?
Were the use of various tools necessary for the task?

Alternatives:

were the utilization of
were the application of
were the implementation of
were the employment of
were the utilization of

Answer 1

was the use of

This phrase is correct when referring to a singular noun or concept.

Answer 2

were the use of

This phrase is correct when referring to plural nouns or concepts.

"was the use of" vs "were the use of"

was the use of

were the use of

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