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.

TextRanch Editors

i was not there vs i were not there

The correct phrase is "I was not there." The verb "was" is the correct past tense form of the verb "to be" when referring to the first person singular pronoun "I." Using "were" in this context is grammatically incorrect.
Jennifer profile picture

Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: October 30, 2024 • 13207 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"i was not there"

This phrase is the correct way to express that you were not present in a specific location in the past. Use "was" with the pronoun "I" in past tense statements.

Examples:

  • I was not there when the accident happened.
  • She said I was not there at the time.
  • I was not there to witness the event.
  • He was not there to receive the award.
  • I was not there for the meeting.
  • Jan 13, 2018 ... You have to say “I was not there.” OR “I wasn't there.” This is the Past tense of the verb “To be":— I was/ you were/ he,she, ...
  • “I Was Not There” is about the elusive experience of complete presence. Across three scenes, the song describes fleeting moments of clarity and wholeness.
  • Oct 4, 2022 ... "KEEP POUNDING" I was not there the first time he said it, but I felt its impact. For those outside of Charlotte, Sam was a LB coach for us, ...
  • plagued by sad memories. I repeat. I was not there. Photographic evidence is not admissible. People took so much trouble and all their efforts went for ...
  • Jun 28, 2024 ... Cougar in the area but I was not there , Misery Mode. Is it bugged on Misery Mode ? Gameplay. later edit : I just saw they are taking the ...
  • Even Though I Was Not There: SA Duet or Solo Voice – Rebecca Welker. If the PDF doesn't load, try refreshing the page, using a different browser, or clearing ...
  • Jun 26, 2024 ... I Was Not There. (The first few paragraphs of this post reference Job 38:1-11.) I wasn't there. I wasn't there when the earth's foundations ...
  • May 25, 2024 ... Practice billed insurance for dates I was not there. Plan Benefits. I think I have followed all of the rules for this forum, so here goes ...
  • As If I Was Not There. by Peter Pringle. A man faces the death penalty for a crime he did not commit. Share.
  • Mar 5, 2020 ... I was not there, fortunately. But I knew what was being planned, and I did nothing to stop it. My friends and I were members of the Weather ...

This phrase is incorrect in standard English usage.

"i were not there"

Avoid using "were" with the pronoun "I" in past tense statements. Stick to using "was" for the first person singular pronoun.
  • Jan 13, 2018 ... ... I were not there.” or “I hated the weather so much that I wished I were not there.” (These are called “contrary to fact” or ...
  • ... I were not there. They truly celebrate life and are now dedicated to giving back to those less fortunate. Jack Nicklaus won 18 Majors - an achievement I ...
  • Sniff sniff, like a sneeze that had fallen asleep; then he turned about and limped out the door as if I were not there, had never lived there, would never ...
  • Apr 17, 2019 ... ... I were not there to make new friends or meet new people, we were there to absorb the program material. At many of the corporate events ...
  • May 17, 2021 ... When I arrived he was immersed in his work and continued on as if I were not there. The Linotype keyboard was very wide and had 90 keys ...
  • But Bobby and I were not there to while away the weekend like the others. We were there to say goodbye. Bobby's tears still ran fresh on his cheeks from a ...
  • I was already being treated as though I were not there. Or perhaps it makes more sense to think of things the other way around: it is those on the phone who ...
  • Jan 1, 1970 ... I would be missed if I were not there. Not at first, not in the frenzy, but later. Without me, no outlines, no profiles come clear. The very ...
  • Sep 19, 2019 ...  She wanted the panelists to speak freely, as if I were not there, and discuss the things that they wanted to discuss, good, bad, or whatever.
  • Nov 18, 2011 ... ... I were not there taking their picture. This helps me get my subject to look the most relaxed and natural. After they do that, I might ask ...

Alternatives:

  • I was not there
  • I wasn't there
  • I was absent
  • I wasn't present
  • I didn't go there

Related Comparisons

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.

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....

Powered By Humans

TextRanch Editors

AI is a great tool, but when it comes to perfecting your writing, we rely on real human editors.

  • All our editors are native English speakers.
  • Each editor has passed a rigorous admission test to ensure quality.
  • Our global team is ready to correct any text, anytime.

MEET OUR EDITORS

TextRanch Editors

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

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

People Feedback 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 :)"

Profile picture of Zubair from Bangladesh

Zubair
from Bangladesh From

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

Profile picture of Arturo from Mexico

Arturo
from Mexico From

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

Profile picture of Selena from USA

Selena
from USA From

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

Profile picture of Ifiok from Nigeria

Ifiok
from Nigeria From

"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."

Profile picture of Wilson from France

Wilson
from France From

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

Profile picture of Susan from Germany

Susan
from Germany From

Trusted by Hundreds Teams

Facebook logo
Accenture logo
Air Asia logo
AirBus logo
Amazon logo
Bayer logo
Decathlon logo
Docusign logo
Ebay logo
Fiverr logo
Fossil logo
Keller Williams logo
LinkedIn logo
Loreal logo
Motorola logo
Orange logo
Roche logo
Salesforce logo
Stellantis logo