Past Tense of “be”
The past simple of “be” is “was / were” and the past participle is “been”. Below are the pronunciation, three example sentences, the mistake learners make most often, and a short drill to check yourself.
Forms of “be”
be – was / were – been
exist; be in a place or state
- Base form
- be/biː/
- Past simple
- was / were/wʌz, wɜːr/
- Past participle
- been/bɪn/
- -ing form
- being
- He / she / it
- is
Pronunciation (US)
Present: I am, he/she/it is, you/we/they are. Past: I/he/she/it was, you/we/they were.
Quick practice
5 questions. Type the missing form.
Example sentences
Three everyday sentences that show how the forms are used.
Past simple
We were at home when the storm started.
Past simple
She was tired after the long flight.
Past participle
I have never been to Canada.
The most common mistake
Wrong
They was late for the meeting.
Correct
They were late for the meeting.
Use “were” with you, we and they, and “was” with I, he, she and it.
Verbs with the same pattern
All 3 forms different. Learn these together.