"There were 5th graders" vs "There was 5th graders"

Question

"There were 5th graders" vs "There was 5th graders"

The correct phrase is "there were 5th graders." The verb "were" agrees with the plural noun "5th graders." The phrase "there was 5th graders" is incorrect because the singular verb "was" does not match the plural noun.

Last Updated: March 11, 2024

Use this phrase when referring to a group of 5th graders in the past.

Examples:

There were 5th graders at the school play.
Last year, there were 5th graders in my class.
During the field trip, there were 5th graders from different schools.
There were 5th graders participating in the science fair.
In the competition, there were 5th graders showcasing their talents.

Alternatives:

There were students in the 5th grade.
5th graders were present.
The 5th grade class had students.
Students in the 5th grade were there.
The 5th graders attended the event.

Answer 1

There were 5th graders

This phrase is correct. The verb "were" agrees with the plural noun "5th graders."

Answer 2

There was 5th graders

This phrase is incorrect. The singular verb "was" does not match the plural noun "5th graders."

"There were 5th graders" vs "There was 5th graders"

There were 5th graders

There was 5th graders

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