Was and Were Worksheets (Free Printable Exercises)
These worksheets are designed for beginners learning the past simple tense, with a focus on using ‘was’ and ‘were’ correctly. They are ideal for students who are just starting to understand subject-verb agreement.
Was and Were Worksheets
Was/Were – Complete the Table
Fill in the table with “was” or “were”. A reference table is included to help beginners understand subject-verb agreement.
Was/Were – Fill in the Blank Exercise
Fill in the blanks with “was” or “were” to complete each sentence. Then write the correct sentence number next to the pictures.
Was/Were – Writing Practice Worksheet
Use the images and words provided to write full past simple sentences with “was” and “were”.
How to Use These Worksheets
Before using these worksheets, it can be helpful to review subject-verb agreement in the present tense using is, am and are. Then, start with Worksheet 1 and use the reference table to show that in the past tense we use was and were instead of is, am and are. Point out that the correct form depends on the subject of the sentence, and work through the table together. Students should then complete the table by writing was or were. The layout separates the subject from the rest of the sentence, making it easier for students to identify the subject before choosing the correct verb.
Next, give students Worksheet 2 and have them fill in the blanks with was or were. It can be helpful to go through a few sentences together as a class and ask students to identify the subject in each one. Once students can identify the subject, they should have no problem choosing the correct form. After filling in the blanks, give students the third worksheet and have them practice writing full past tense sentences with was and were.