Are vs Was vs Were
Are
= PRESENT TENSE – used with 2nd person singular (you) and 1st, 2nd, 3rd person plural present (we, they)
Ex: The dogs “are” running in the backyard. ( the dogs are running in the backyard now)
Ex: We “are” playing basketball. ( we are playing basketball now )
Was
= PAST TENSE – used in the first person singular (I) and the third person singular (he, she, it)
Ex: The dog “was” running in the backyard. ( it is not running anymore)
Ex: She “was” playing basketball. ( she is not playing anymore)
Were
= PAST TENSE – used with 2nd person singular and plural (you, your, yours) & first and third person plural (we, they)
Ex: The dogs “were” running in the backyard. (they are not running anymore)
Ex: We “were” playing basketball. (we are not playing anymore)
* IMPORTANT NOTE:
The pronoun “you” may look singular, but it is used in the plural form. “You” may be referring to one person or a group of individuals.
Ex: You “are” a good singer ( you are a good singer now)
Ex: You “were” a good singer. (you were good in the past, but not anymore)
“If you are going to” is appropriate when the action is a possibility in the near future.
Ex: If you are here early, you can get a good seat.
Ex: If you are bad, you will be punished.
“If you were going to” is more appropriate when referring to an action that could take place in the past, but is no longer under consideration.
Ex: If you were here 10 minutes ago, you could have got a good seat.
Ex: If you were bad, you would have been punished.
The use of “were” can get more complicated.
Ex: If you were to buy the product today, I can get you a discount.
Ex: If you were to go home now, you might have a surprise waiting.
In subjunctive mood (unreal or hypothetical statements) you can use “were.” These are sentences that usually have words like “if” or “wish.”
Ex: I wish I “were” taller.
Ex: If I “were” you,…
Ex: She spends money as if she “were” a millionaire.
