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"he was" vs "he were"

The correct phrase is 'he was'. 'He were' is not correct in standard English. 'He was' is the correct form to use when referring to a singular male subject in the past tense.

Last Updated: March 11, 2024

he was

'He was' is the correct form to use when referring to a singular male subject in the past tense.

'He was' is the correct past tense form of the verb 'to be' when referring to a singular male subject. It is used in statements, questions, and negative sentences.

Examples:

  • He was at the store yesterday.
  • Was he there when you arrived?
  • He was not feeling well last week.
  • If he was here, he would help us.
  • I wish he was more careful.

Alternatives:

  • he is
  • he has been
  • he had been
  • he will be
  • he would be

he were

'He were' is not correct in standard English.

'He were' is not a valid construction in English. The correct form to use in this context is 'he was'.

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