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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.
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Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: October 30, 2024 • 12890 views

i was not there

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

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.

i were not there

This phrase is incorrect in standard English usage.

Avoid using "were" with the pronoun "I" in past tense statements. Stick to using "was" for the first person singular pronoun.
  • Jul 28, 2013 ... We have been making fun of the “You And I Were Not There” statement by Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, NPP's vice-presidential candidate in the ...
  • At the time, because the guys from the front lawn and I were not there to witness the beginning of the altercation, we didn't have any idea what started all this.
  • When it started, you and I were not there so. Why don't we. Bury down apartheid. Fight down war and crime. Racial discrimination. Tribal discrimination. You and ...
  • The Kassons and I were not there to give advice to adults who knew more than we did about how to engage adolescents with ideas. The whole pleasure of the ...

Alternatives:

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

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