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were not vs weren't

Both "were not" and "weren't" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Were not" is more formal and is used in formal writing or speech, while "weren't" is more informal and commonly used in everyday conversations.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 2122 views

were not

This phrase is correct and more formal, suitable for formal writing or speech.

Use "were not" in formal contexts, such as academic writing, business correspondence, or official documents.
  • She said obscenities were not allowed.
  • Nausea and diarrhea were not his only symptoms.
  • Apparently my orders were not very clear.
  • International oil prices were not significantly affected.
  • His claims were not recognised by France.
  • Complaints were not filed for fear of reprisals.
  • The organizations I mentioned were not terrorist groups.
  • The ribs were not broken pre-explosion.
  • Smaller works were not usually produced on commission.
  • The remains were not completely described until 2006.
  • It seems words were not needed.
  • The relationships with content companies were not completely adversarial.
  • Municipalities were not just the cities but included the surrounding lands.
  • Sanatoriums were not the only treatment facilities.
  • Reasons for the separation were not mentioned.
  • Locals were not involved in tourist activities until 1990.
  • My expectations were not that high.
  • That left Louisiana whose party officials were not so controlling.
  • Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known.
  • The gas chambers were not operating then.

Alternatives:

  • were not able to
  • were not sure
  • were not present
  • were not aware
  • were not happy

weren't

This phrase is correct and more informal, commonly used in everyday conversations.

Use "weren't" in informal contexts, such as casual conversations, emails to friends, or spoken language.
  • Fiona said you weren't involved.
  • You weren't like the others.
  • Trucks weren't registered; no VIN numbers.
  • Female writers weren't very accepted then.
  • Tox report showed that the medications weren't lethal.
  • Stoners weren't really my scene.
  • So they weren't allowed to tell me anything.
  • They weren't anywhere near a solution.
  • And his clothes weren't torn.
  • They weren't even a couple, dude.
  • It was the same night she learned Dreams weren't practical.
  • I learned that the last two weren't exactly true.
  • And when he did they weren't funny.
  • No, his memories weren't jumbled.
  • Only they weren't to Cam.
  • Some of those guards at those camps weren't exactly known for their humanity.
  • They were told that they weren't thin enough, that they weren't feminine enough, that they weren't beautiful enough.
  • You weren't in here, you weren't in the bar and you weren't in your bedroom.
  • Noticed you weren't celebrating my engagement.
  • Organs weren't exposed to formaldehyde.

Alternatives:

  • wasn't
  • didn't
  • could not
  • did not
  • had not

Related Comparisons

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