what was vs what were

Both 'what was' and 'what were' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'What was' is used with singular subjects, while 'what were' is used with plural subjects.

Last updated: April 05, 2024 • 126 views

This phrase is correct when used with singular subjects.

"what was"

Use 'what was' when referring to a singular subject in the past.

Examples:

What was the name of the book?
I forgot what was on the agenda for the meeting.

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I need to know what was on that film.
He showed me what was good and true about my ability.
So, what was so interesting?
It never solves what was wrong in the first place.
Then what was the other evening...
Nobody knew what was out there.
The wrapper looked like what was inside.
That's what was on his computer.
See, what was tradition became ritual.
Emphasize that you did exactly what was asked.
I wonder what was so important about those addresses.
Ellison quickly recognized what was the issue.
Exactly what was decided is not entirely known.
These serve as reminders of what was.
This individual wants what was purchased fast, real fast.
So Monica did what was necessary.
To disconnect what was in tune.
Aphrodite just used what was already there.
Kasztner later wrote a report about what was discussed.
They kept building on what was already there.

Alternatives:

what is
what will be
what has been
what had been
what would be

This phrase is correct when used with plural subjects.

"what were"

Use 'what were' when referring to plural subjects in the past.

Examples:

What were the main reasons for the decision?
I can't remember what were the options we discussed.

Show examples from the web [+]

When it opened up, what were you...
What we did was we found what were the locally available sources of biomass.
And to see what were the terms for the sale.
And what were the charges against trooper Wooten?
Carl, what were your dreams?
So, what were their recommendations?
Mark, what were your 2 numbers?
Your numbers, what were they?
Liz what were those exact radiation figures, again?
We started asking manufacturers what were in their materials.
I simply asked what were Hunt's duties at the White House.
So what were these strange noises?
So he'd know what were happening at the front.
Slade what were you arrested for?
I just overpaid for what were supposed to be actual quaaludes.
But what were they there for? To acquire assets.
In addition, there were thousands of Confederate veterans in what were called rifle clubs.
She approached them and asked what were Digimon to them.
Yes, that's what were hoping for.
They contained ruins of what were evidently once large cities belonging to the Adal Sultanate.

Alternatives:

what are
what will be
what have been
what had been
what would be

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what was vs what were

"what was"

"what were"

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