Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental rule in English grammar that every writer and editor must know. It is one of the critical elements that helps to convey the message accurately and effectively. One of the most common problem areas for subject-verb agreement is when it comes to using “was” and “were.” In this article, we will explore the subject-verb agreement rules for “was” and “were.”

The basic rule for subject-verb agreement is that the verb must agree with the subject in both number and person. For singular subjects, we use “was,” and for plural subjects, we use “were.” Let`s discuss this further.

When to use “was”:

1. Use “was” for singular subjects in the past tense. For example, “He was eating pizza when I arrived.”

2. Use “was” for the third-person singular subject in the past tense. For example, “She was walking in the park yesterday.”

3. Use “was” after “if” or “when” to express a hypothetical situation. For example, “If he was there, he would have helped.”

4. Use “was” after “as if” or “as though” to express a hypothetical situation. For example, “She acted as though she was the queen of the world.”

When to use “were”:

1. Use “were” for plural subjects in the past tense. For example, “They were watching a movie when I called.”

2. Use “were” for all subjects in the subjunctive mood. For example, “If I were you, I would take the job.”

3. Use “were” in conditional sentences expressing an unlikely or hypothetical situation. For example, “If they were to win the game, they would celebrate all night.”

4. Use “were” after “as if” or “as though” to express a contrary-to-fact situation. For example, “She acted as though she were the queen of the world, but she was just a commoner.”

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a critical element of effective writing. It is essential to know when to use “was” and “were” to ensure that the message is conveyed accurately. By following the subject-verb agreement rules outlined above, you can make your writing more effective and professional. Remember, when in doubt, always double-check your grammar, and you`ll be on your way to crafting exceptional content.