Was those hens laying eggs vs Were those hens laying eggs?

The correct phrase is 'were those hens laying eggs?' This is because 'hens' is a plural noun, so the verb 'were' should be used instead of 'was.' The correct form of the verb should agree with the subject in number.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 852 views

This phrase is incorrect. 'Was' should be replaced with 'were' to match the plural subject 'hens.'

"Was those hens laying eggs"

Incorrect subject-verb agreement. Use 'were' instead of 'was' to match the plural noun 'hens.'

Show examples from the web [+]

Subject: Checks on the conditions under which laying hens producing eggs imported into the EU are reared
What does a hen do after laying an egg?
on the welfare of laying hens requires egg producers in the EU to provide a high standard of animal welfare for laying hens, at an additional cost to producers.
- They're laying eggs inside.
- My chickens are laying eggs.
Those hens lay eggs almost every day.
I've always suspected those hens.
Those hens finally laid some eggs.
Those hens hadn't laid for months 'fore you came.
Otherwise up to a dozen will be born... ...each one capable of laying eggs on its own.
Spend all my time laying eggs for serpents like her!
I almost had one laying eggs in mine.
Finally we support the request to the Commission to make it compulsory, as soon as possible, to label eggs so that the consumer will know how the hens laying them are reared.
But some of their descendants evolved dry, scaly skins, and broke their link with water by laying eggs with watertight shells.
And then the newly mated queens fly off somewhere, drop their wings, dig a hole and go into that hole and start laying eggs.
It should, therefore, not be used in laying hens or in the two weeks before hens are likely to start laying eggs for human consumption.
She can't possibly lay the table, she's busy laying eggs.
If I were her, I'd be depressed Long tailed, sharp nailed Fuzzy legs, laying eggs
laying eggs, burrowing into my scalp, eating their way all the way down to my brain!
There are no lice in my hair... laying eggs, burrowing into my scalp, eating their way all the way down to my brain!

Alternatives:

were those hens laying eggs?

This phrase is correct. 'Were' is the correct form of the verb to match the plural subject 'hens.'

"Were those hens laying eggs?"

Correct subject-verb agreement. Use 'were' to match the plural noun 'hens.'

Show examples from the web [+]

What does a hen do after laying an egg?
- They're laying eggs inside.
- My chickens are laying eggs.
Those hens lay eggs almost every day.
I've always suspected those hens.
Those hens finally laid some eggs.
Those hens hadn't laid for months 'fore you came.
Otherwise up to a dozen will be born... ...each one capable of laying eggs on its own.
Spend all my time laying eggs for serpents like her!
I almost had one laying eggs in mine.
Finally we support the request to the Commission to make it compulsory, as soon as possible, to label eggs so that the consumer will know how the hens laying them are reared.
But some of their descendants evolved dry, scaly skins, and broke their link with water by laying eggs with watertight shells.
And then the newly mated queens fly off somewhere, drop their wings, dig a hole and go into that hole and start laying eggs.
It should, therefore, not be used in laying hens or in the two weeks before hens are likely to start laying eggs for human consumption.
She can't possibly lay the table, she's busy laying eggs.
If I were her, I'd be depressed Long tailed, sharp nailed Fuzzy legs, laying eggs
The only crimes were those committed against it.
You really substitute applesauce for eggs?
You dismissed the Scientist who fertilized the egg?
Want help tracking down that egg?

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Was those hens laying eggs vs Were those hens laying eggs?