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Europe was vs Europe were

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Europe was' is used when referring to Europe as a singular entity, while 'Europe were' is used when referring to Europe as a plural entity or when using the subjunctive mood.

Last updated: March 23, 2024

Europe was

This phrase is correct when referring to Europe as a singular entity.

Use 'Europe was' when talking about Europe as a single entity or when the subject is singular.

Examples:

  • Europe was a major player in world history.
  • When I visited Europe, I was amazed by its beauty.
  • The whole of Europe was at his feet.
  • Within a week, most of Europe was at war.
  • Europe was able to emerge from those tragic circumstances.
  • Finally, despite the difficulties, Europe was able to reach a decision.
  • The Council of Europe was founded as a human rights community here in Strasbourg over 50 years ago.
  • The Community legislation framework on data protection and privacy in Europe was designed to be robust in the face of innovation.
  • Europe was created by Treaties concluded, obviously, between equal states.
  • Public opinion in Europe was clearly divided over the question of invading Iraq.
  • We should not forget that Europe was divided for 50 years.
  • After the disaster in Madeira, Europe was hit once again.
  • In Georgia, Europe was able to stop a war.
  • Europe was divided for over 50 years.
  • Mr President, the reality of ancient Europe was Hannibal ante portas.
  • Just a few years ago, the economic situation in Europe was totally different.
  • This motion for a resolution on nuclear safety in Europe was more than necessary.
  • So, Europe was a bust.
  • In this context, we have seen that Europe was wrongly accused, in that the legislation exists but is not being applied properly.
  • It's also important to realize that at this time, much of Europe was occupied by Neanderthals.
  • The biomass in this part of Europe was very important for the development of human but also carnivores.
  • During the Christmas period, Europe was 'invaded' by Chinese toys that cost little but are dangerous compared to toys certified with the CE mark.

Alternatives:

  • Europe is
  • Europe has been
  • Europe had been
  • Europe will be
  • Europe remains

Europe were

This phrase is correct when referring to Europe as a plural entity or when using the subjunctive mood.

Use 'Europe were' when talking about Europe as a plural entity or when expressing a hypothetical situation in the subjunctive mood.

Examples:

  • If Europe were to unite, it would be a powerful force.
  • Europe were divided into many different regions.
  • All existing research reactors in Europe were build before 1970.
  • Historically, this market and the grid which exists in Europe were set up to promote centralised fossil fuel and nuclear power plants.
  • The houses of Europe were Joined.
  • The stock 'pandemic' vaccines given to millions of people in Europe were the subject of an accelerated authorisation procedures, based in fact on studies and vaccine formulae produced at the time of the H5N1 virus, which also dated from the years 2005/2007.
  • Everyone seems to have forgotten that capital movements in Europe were only deregulated on 1 January 1990.
  • During the period in question, large numbers of individuals and groups throughout Europe were victims of such looting, carried out by a variety of perpetrators...
  • Mr Toussas, when airports in Europe were liberalised there were very similar arguments to those now being put forward in relation to ports.
  • Many in Europe were attracted to this change and the spirit of change.
  • History also teaches us that the centres of growth in Europe were often small States or free cities particularly in Italy or Flanders, and not large artificially unified continental conglomerates.
  • I would like to point out that hunger has been a constant feature of European history, for example the famous potato famine in Ireland which led to the depopulation of the island; many other parts of Europe were also depopulated by famine, for example Ukraine.
  • This issue is all the more relevant in view of the finding that certain dangerous medicines that caused the deaths of numerous people in Europe were belatedly withdrawn from the market.
  • This Treaty and the case for more democracy in Europe were supported not only by you, Mr Barroso, but also by those in power in the Member States. I would now like to see this being put into practice.
  • Planes from Europe were diverted to Canada after the Twin Towers were hit.
  • Those first few weeks in Europe were almost perfect.
  • Ironically, this occurred at precisely the time that economic barriers across Europe were coming down.
  • Asylum seekers in Europe were mainly from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Iraq and Afghanistan.
  • Last year, about 60 million hectares outside Europe were growing genetically improved crops.
  • Historically, the universities of Europe were the forerunners of the European Union.
  • In the summer of 2002, many riverside areas in Central Europe were flooded.
  • It would be helpful if Europe were not directly to import the American-style procedural model.

Alternatives:

  • Europe would be
  • Europe could be
  • Europe might be
  • Europe should be
  • Europe were to

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