English learners often stumble over “are” and “were”, two forms of the verb to be.
Although these words seem simple, their correct usage depends on tense, subject agreement, and even mood.
Mastering them will make your speaking and writing far more precise.
This guide dives deep into when to use “are” vs. “were”, with clear examples, practical strategies, and real-life applications.
Understanding the Verb “To Be” in English
The verb to be is one of the most irregular and essential verbs in English. It changes form depending on tense, subject, and mood. Its main forms include:
| Tense | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Present | am / is | are |
| Past | was | were |
Understanding the correct usage of are vs. were is crucial because mistakes can make even fluent speakers sound unnatural. For instance, saying “They were happy today” is correct, while “They are happy yesterday” is wrong.
Present Tense: Are
Definition and Function
“Are” is the present tense form of to be used with plural subjects and the second person singular (“you”). It can function as a linking verb, connecting the subject to a complement, or as an auxiliary verb in continuous tenses and questions.
- Linking verb example: They are teachers.
- Auxiliary verb example: You are studying English.
When and Why We Use “Are”
We use are in situations like:
- General statements: Dogs are friendly animals.
- Ongoing actions (present continuous): We are learning new grammar rules.
- Questions: Are you coming to the party?
- Instructions: You are required to submit the form by Friday.
Common Mistakes with “Are”
Learners often make mistakes with are in these ways:
| Common Mistake | Correct Usage |
|---|---|
| They is happy | They are happy |
| You are going to the stores | You are going to the store |
| He and I is friends | He and I are friends |
Are as an Auxiliary Verb
Are plays a key role in forming present continuous, questions, and negatives.
- Present continuous: They are running in the park.
- Questions: Are you ready for the exam?
- Negatives: You are not late for the meeting.
Mastering the auxiliary function of are helps you form complex sentences confidently.
Past Tense: Were
Definition and Function
“Were” is the past tense plural form of to be and is also used with second person singular (“you”). Its usage is broader than it seems because it includes both indicative past and subjunctive moods.
- Past indicative: They were happy yesterday.
- Past continuous: We were watching a movie when it started raining.
When and Why We Use “Were”
We use were to describe:
- Past events: The students were excited about the trip.
- Past conditions: He was tired, but they were energetic.
- Hypothetical or conditional situations: If I were a bird, I would fly across the ocean.
The Subjunctive Use of “Were”
The subjunctive mood expresses unreal or hypothetical situations. Using were instead of was is mandatory in these cases:
- If I were rich, I would travel the world.
- She wishes she were taller.
- Were it not for the rain, we would go hiking.
Tip: The subjunctive form always stays “were” regardless of the subject. Many learners mistakenly use was, e.g., If I was rich — which is incorrect in formal writing.
Comparing Are vs. Were
| Feature | Are | Were |
|---|---|---|
| Tense | Present | Past |
| Subject | Plural + “you” | Plural + “you” (and singular subj. in subjunctive) |
| Function | Linking verb / Auxiliary | Linking verb / Auxiliary / Subjunctive |
| Example | You are happy. | They were happy. / If I were you |
Key takeaway: Use are for present situations and were for past or hypothetical scenarios.
Common Errors Learners Make
Even advanced learners trip over are vs. were. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Mixing past and present: They are happy yesterday. → They were happy yesterday.
- Confusing subjunctive: If I was rich → If I were rich.
- Forgetting subject agreement: He and I is ready → He and I are ready.
- Using “were” for singular indicative contexts: She were tired yesterday → She was tired yesterday.
Practical Strategies to Remember the Difference
- Use time cues: Words like today, now, yesterday, last year indicate whether to use are or were.
- Use mnemonics: “Are = now, Were = then” is easy to remember.
- Switch tenses exercises: Rewrite sentences from present to past to practice.
- Listen and repeat: Audio dialogues or podcasts reinforce natural usage.
- Proofreading trick: Check subject + verb agreement and the timeline of the sentence before submitting.
Real-Life Usage of Are and Were
In Everyday Speech
- They are excited about the concert.
- We were waiting for over an hour.
- Are you coming with us?
- If I were you, I would accept the offer.
In Writing
- Formal writing often prefers precise use:
- The results are promising.
- Were it not for the early start, the team would have lost.
- Emails and social media require present tense (are) for updates:
- We are thrilled to announce our new product!
In Idioms and Expressions
Some common phrases include:
- We are on the same page.
- If I were in your shoes…
- Were it not for…
- Things are looking up.
Quick Reference Guide
| Word | Tense | Subject | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Are | Present | Plural + you | They are students. |
| Were | Past | Plural + you | They were students yesterday. |
| Were | Subjunctive | Singular & plural | If I were taller… |
This table makes it easier to check your sentence before writing or speaking.
Case Study: Are vs. Were in Real American English
Analyzing a short dialogue from an American podcast:
Speaker 1: “Are the kids ready for school?”
Speaker 2: “Yes, they were waiting at the bus stop for 15 minutes.”
Analysis:
- Present tense are shows the current state.
- Past tense were indicates completed action.
- Shows natural switching between tenses in conversation.
FAQs
What is the main difference between are and were?
Answer: Are is present tense, while were is past tense or subjunctive for hypothetical situations.
Can I use “were” with singular subjects?
Answer: Yes, only in the subjunctive mood (hypothetical/unreal cases).
How do I know when to use “are” instead of “were”?
Answer: Check the tense: present = are; past or hypothetical = were.
Is it wrong to say “If I was rich”?
Answer: Yes, formal English requires If I were rich for hypothetical situations.
Can “are” be used as an auxiliary verb?
Answer: Yes, it helps form present continuous, questions, and negatives.
Conclusion
Mastering are vs. were is about understanding time, mood, and subject agreement.
Use are for present situations and were for past events or hypothetical contexts.
Pay attention to the subjunctive mood and practice by listening, speaking, and rewriting sentences.
With consistent effort, you’ll use both confidently in everyday speech and formal writing.
I’m Alex Henry — a passionate English enthusiast who loves exploring words, grammar, and the art of expression. I share creative tips to help you fall in love with the English language every day.