Are VS Were | A Guide with Examples, Uses & Exercises

Even fluent English speakers sometimes hesitate when choosing between “are” and “were.” Why? Because these two small words may look simple, but they play a big role in making sentences grammatically correct. Are VS Were with differences, uses, structures, and examples are here. Misusing one for the other can lead to confusion, awkward phrasing, or unclear meaning.

Both “are” and “were” are forms of the verb “to be”, one of the most important and frequently used verbs in the English language. But here’s the catch: they’re used in completely different tenses and contexts. Knowing when to use “are” (present tense) versus “were” (past tense) can help you write and speak with more clarity and confidence.

In this detailed grammar guide on Are vs Were, we’ll break down:

• The difference between are and were
• Their correct usage in sentences
• Real-life examples
• And even include an exercise of are and were to help you test your understanding.

By the end, you’ll be able to confidently use these verbs in both conversation and writing—no more second-guessing. Let’s dive into the rules, examples, and common mistakes so you can finally master the uses of are and were.

What is the Verb “To Be”?

The verb “to be” is one of the most important verbs in English Grammar. It’s used to describe states, identity, feelings, location, and more.

Definition:

The verb “to be” means “to exist” or “to happen.” It’s used to describe:

• Who or what someone/something is
• Where someone/something is
• How someone/something feels

Function in Grammar:

“To be” changes depending on the subject and the tense. It doesn’t stay the same like some other verbs.

Conjugation Chart of “To Be”

Here’s how the verb “to be” looks in the present and past tense:

“Are” is used in the present tense.
“Were” is used in the past tense.

Let’s now look closely at the difference between are and were.

Difference between are and were: Explained

Understanding the difference between “are” and “were” is key to using them correctly “Are”

• Present tense of to be
• Used with you, we, they (plural subjects)

“Were”

• Past tense of to be
• Used with you, we, they
• Also used with he, she, it in past tense

Full Comparison Table of Are vs Were

When to Use “Are”

“Are” is used when you’re talking about the present—something that is happening now.

Affirmative Sentences:

• They are playing football.
• You are very kind.
• We are friends.

Negative Sentences:

• They are not at school.
• You aren’t late.
• We aren’t ready.

Questions:

• Are you okay?
• Are they coming to the party?
• Are we late?

When to Use “Were”

“Were” is used for the past tense, when something happened before now.

Past Statements:

• We were tired after the game.
• They were at the cinema yesterday.
• He were happy with the results. ❌ (Incorrect—should be was)

Past Questions:

• Were they in class?
• Were you at home last night?

Conditional or Hypothetical Sentences (Subjunctive Mood):

• If I were you, I’d take the chance.
• I wish I were taller.

Even for “I” and “he/she,” we use “were” in imaginary situations—not was.

Common Mistakes Learners Make

Let’s clear up the errors English learners often make with are vs were:

Mistake 1:

• ❌ They were here now.
• ✅ They are here now.

Present time needs “are”.

Mistake 2:

• ❌ He are going to the store.
• ✅ He is going to the store.

“He/She/It” uses is, not are.

Mistake 3:

• ❌ I was you, I would quit.
• ✅ If I were you, I would quit.

Use “were” in hypothetical (imaginary) situations.

Are vs Were in Questions

Sentence structure changes when forming questions.

Present Tense (Are):

• Are they your friends?
• Are you feeling okay?

Past Tense (Were):

• Were you late yesterday?
• Were they angry?

Subjunctive Mood: Special Case for “Were”

Sometimes, “were” is used in present-time hypothetical situations. This is called the subjunctive mood—used for imaginary or unreal conditions.

Examples:

• If she were smarter, she would win.
• I wish it were easier.

Even though we’re talking about now, we still use “were”, not was.

Exercise of Are and Were

Let’s practice! Here’s a simple quiz to test your knowledge.

Fill in the Blanks:

1. They ___ at school today.
2. We ___ tired after the hike.
3. Where ___ you last night?
4. If I ___ taller, I’d play basketball.
5. You ___ not listening.
6. I wish I ___ there.
7. ___ they happy with the meal?
8. We ___ ready now.
9. ___ you coming with us?
10. They ___ not home yesterday.

Answer key

1. They are at school today.
2. We were tired after the hike.
3. Where were you last night?
4. If I were taller, I’d play basketball.
5. You are not listening.
6. I wish I were there.
7. Were they happy with the meal?
8. We are ready now.
9. Are you coming with us?
10. They were not home yesterday.

Multiple Choice Quiz

1. Which is correct?
a) They is coming
b) They are coming
c) They were coming

2. If I ___ you, I’d go.
a) was
b) were
c) are

3. We ___ in the classroom yesterday.
a) are
b) is
c) were

4. ___ you okay today?
a) Are
b) Were
c) Is

5. They ___ not there before.
a) was
b) are
c) were

Answers to all questions

1. b) They are coming
2. b) were
3. c) were
4. a) Are
5. c) were

Don’t miss knowing the related topics: Might VS Maybe

Might VS Could

Difference between Might and May

Can vs Be Able To

Difference between Shall and Must

Shall VS Should

Examples of Are and Were in Real Sentences

5 Examples with “Are”:

1. They are playing outside.
2. You are my best friend.
3. We are not done yet.
4. Are you excited for the trip?
5. These shoes are too big.

5 Examples with “Were”:

1. They were late to the meeting.
2. We were so happy yesterday.
3. Were you sick last week?
4. I wish I were in Paris.
5. The kids were at Grandma’s house.

Notice the difference: “Are” = now, “Were” = before.

Summary Table: Quick Reference

Conclusion

Knowing the difference between are and were helps you speak and write English more confidently. Remember:

• Use “are” for now (present).
• Use “were” for before (past) or imaginary situations.

Keep practicing with our exercises above, and soon using “are” vs “were” will become second nature!

Still confused about are vs were? Drop your example in the comments below, and we’ll help you!

FAQ: Are vs Were

What is the difference between are and were?

“Are” is present tense; “were” is past tense. Use “are” for now and “were” for past or imaginary situations.

Can “were” be used in the present tense?

Yes, in imaginary or conditional statements (e.g., “If I were you…”).

Is “were” plural or singular?

It’s used for plural subjects in the past tense, but also used with “I/he/she/it” in hypothetical cases.

What are some examples of “are” in a sentence?

“You are smart.” / “They are working.”

How do I know when to use are or were?

Ask yourself: Is it happening now (use are) or in the past (use were)? If it’s imaginary, use were even with “I.”