# was

/ˈwɑz/ (US) · /wˈɒz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/was
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 2. plural (informal)

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal · Dialect

used instead of 'were' for more than one person in very casual or regional speech.

For teachers: used as a non-standard or dialectal substitute for 'were' with plural subjects.

- We was just sitting there when the rain started.
- The witness claimed that the suspects was seen leaving the premises shortly before the alarm sounded.

Usage: Common in certain British and American dialects, but avoided in formal writing and exams.

Teaching tip: Learners should recognize this in movies or songs but avoid using it themselves in professional or academic contexts.

## Examples

- I was very tired after work yesterday.
- The weather was perfect for our outdoor wedding last Saturday, despite the forecast for rain.
- While the initial report was somewhat vague, it provided enough evidence for the committee to justify a full investigation into the department's spending habits.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.