"when you were a child" vs "when you was a child"

Question

"when you were a child" vs "when you was a child"

The correct phrase is 'when you were a child.' 'Were' is the correct past tense form of the verb 'to be' when referring to the second person singular (you). 'Was' is used with the first and third person singular (I, he, she, it). 'When you was a child' is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided.

Last Updated: April 01, 2024

This phrase is used to refer to a past time when the person being addressed was a child.

Examples:

I remember when you were a child, you used to love playing with your toys.
When you were a child, you had a fear of the dark.
Do you remember when you were a child and you believed in magic?
When you were a child, you always wanted to be a firefighter.
I can't believe how fast time has flown since you were a child.

Alternatives:

when you were a child

Answer 1

when you were a child

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

when you was a child

This phrase is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided.