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

Combinations of the drugs had stronger protective effects than if they were used alone.

From Science Daily

Looking back, Smith says, “we were really toxic together. It wasn’t a healthy situation.”

From Los Angeles Times

New York audiences were unimpressed with the Rupert Goold production, with Variety’s review calling it a “misguided West End import.”

From Los Angeles Times

A 2023 report by Duke University revealed that data brokers were selling sensitive data on individuals’ mental health conditions on the open market.

From Los Angeles Times

Before Donald Trump became president, tariffs were a topic largely confined to history books.

From Salon