were

¹

[ wur; unstressed wer; British also wair ]

verb

1. a second person singular past indicative; first, second, and third person plural past indicative; and past subjunctive of be.

we're

²

[ weer ]

1. contraction of we are:

   We're happy to see you.

were

¹

/ wɜː; wə /

verb

1. the plural form of the past tense (indicative mood) of be and the singular form used with you. It is also used as a subjunctive, esp in conditional sentences

we're

²

/ wɪə /

contraction of

1. we are

Usage Note

See contraction.

Usage

Were, as a remnant of the past subjunctive in English, is used in formal contexts in clauses expressing hypotheses ( if he were to die, she would inherit everything ), suppositions contrary to fact ( if I were you, I would be careful ), and desire ( I wish he were there now ). In informal speech, however, was is often used instead

Grammar Note

See subjunctive.

Word History and Origins

Origin of were¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English wǣre past subjunctive, wǣre 2nd-person singular past and wǣron 2nd-person plural past of wesan “to be”; cognate with Dutch, German waren, Danish var. See was

Word History and Origins

Origin of were¹

Old English wērun, wæron past tense plural of wesan to be; related to Old Norse vera, Old Frisian weria, Old High German werōn to last

Example Sentences

Researchers were able to uncover traces of natural selection -- signs of genetic adaptation to environmental pressures -- that are undetectable in the DNA of modern Europeans.

From Science Daily

Chris: "Many Dutch people considered the Delta Works a permanent solution, but according to Johan they were always meant as a necessary step in a process. Today, we need a new long-term vision."

From Science Daily

Using their new method, they were able to produce proteins consisting of up to 1000 amino acids.

From Science Daily

The researchers found that adult chimpanzees were more likely to engage in social play before participating in group activities, such as monkey hunting or territorial defense against hostile outsiders.

From Science Daily

Being on the medications for a longer period of time and eating more vegetables were associated with less food waste.

From Science Daily