TextRanch

The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

Our experts

didn't know he wasn't there vs didn't know he weren't there

The correct phrase is 'didn't know he wasn't there.' 'Wasn't' is the correct past tense form of 'to be' for the third person singular. 'Weren't' is used for the plural forms or the second person singular. Therefore, 'wasn't' is the appropriate choice in this context.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 557 views

didn't know he wasn't there

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is the correct past tense form of 'to be' for the third person singular. It indicates that the speaker was unaware of his absence.
  • Jan 12, 2015 ... @ByronYork Obama didn't know he wasn't there until he learned it on the news. Cut him some slack. — Brian Carter (@bcarter76) January 12, ...
  • Josh Earnest. “Obama didn't know he wasn't there until he learned it on the news. ” Posted at 3:09 pm on January 12, 2015 by Twitchy Staff | 163 Comments ...
  • Dec 31, 2011 ... One minute Tate was there, the next he wasn't. I didn't know he wasn't there. Tony threw me in the water. No one but Tate knew I couldn't swim.
  • I actually wore all of Curtis's uniforms because we were the same size, so people commented that they didn't know he wasn't there, I thought that was a ...

didn't know he weren't there

This phrase is incorrect. 'Weren't' is not the appropriate past tense form of 'to be' for the third person singular.


Alternatives:

  • didn't know he wasn't there
  • wasn't aware he wasn't there
  • was unaware he wasn't there
  • didn't realize he wasn't there
  • didn't notice he wasn't there

Related Comparisons

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9TextRanch on TrustPilot).

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices
Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times
Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors
Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service
We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!