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 • 702 views

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

"Europe was"

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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

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

"Europe were"

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

Europe was vs Europe were

"Europe was"

"Europe were"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text