"that wasn't" vs "that weren't"

Question

"that wasn't" vs "that weren't"

The phrases "that weren't" and "that wasn't" are not directly comparable as they are used in different contexts. "That weren't" is used when referring to plural subjects, while "that wasn't" is used when referring to singular subjects. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on the subject being discussed.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

Use "that wasn't" when referring to singular subjects that did not exist or were not present.

Examples:

The book that wasn't returned needs to be located.
That was the day that wasn't as sunny as we hoped.
The dish that wasn't washed is still in the sink.
The student that wasn't present will need to catch up on the material.
The flower that wasn't watered has withered.

Alternatives:

that was not
the one that was not
the thing that was not
the person that was not
the item that was not

Use "that weren't" when referring to plural subjects that did not exist or were not present.

Examples:

The books that weren't returned need to be located.
Those were the days that weren't filled with worry.
The dishes that weren't washed are still in the sink.
The students that weren't present will need to catch up on the material.
The flowers that weren't watered have withered.

Alternatives:

those that were not
the ones that were not
the things that were not
the people that were not
the items that were not

Answer 1

that wasn't

This phrase is correct when referring to singular subjects.

Answer 2

that weren't

This phrase is correct when referring to plural subjects.

"that wasn't" vs "that weren't"

that wasn't

that weren't

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