"was rear-ended." vs "were rear-ended."

Question

"was rear-ended." vs "were rear-ended."

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts depending on the subject of the sentence. "was rear-ended" is used when the subject is singular, while "were rear-ended" is used when the subject is plural.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

Use "was rear-ended" when referring to a singular subject that was hit from behind in a car accident.

Examples:

The car was rear-ended at the traffic light.
She was rear-ended on her way to work.

Alternatives:

I was rear-ended.
He was rear-ended.
The driver was rear-ended.

Use "were rear-ended" when referring to multiple subjects that were hit from behind in a car accident.

Examples:

The cars were rear-ended in the collision.
They were rear-ended by a distracted driver.

Alternatives:

We were rear-ended.
The passengers were rear-ended.
Both vehicles were rear-ended.

Answer 1

was rear-ended.

This phrase is correct when the subject of the sentence is singular.

Answer 2

were rear-ended.

This phrase is correct when the subject of the sentence is plural.

"was rear-ended." vs "were rear-ended."

was rear-ended.

were rear-ended.

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