1. when something happened in the past .
VERB TO BE - PAST
The past tense of "to be" is used to join a subject with a word or words that tell something about the subject that happened in the past.
We often use words such as "yesterday" or phrases such as "last week" or "last year“ to indicate
when something happened in the past .

2. He was at a baseball game.
Jack is very sad now.
He was at a baseball game.
The game wasn’t very good.

3. They were at a party last night.
They are very tired now.
They were at a party last night.
They weren’t at home until 3 am.

4. It was fine!
How was the test?
Yes, I am.
Are you happy
with the result?
Were you late for
class this morning?
No, I wasn’t.

5. NOW, IT’S YOUR TURN! COMPLETE THE SENTENCES WITH THE VERB TO BE AM – IS – ARE – WAS - WERE

6. It ____ Laura’s birthday today
It ____ Laura’s birthday today. Last year she ____ 9, so now she ____ 10. is
was is

7. There _____ eleven students in the class yesterday, but there _______ (neg.) any games during class.
were
weren’t

8. Phil and Juliet _____ very young when they got married
Phil and Juliet _____ very young when they got married. She ____ only 19.
were
was

9. Today the weather ____ nice, but it ____ very windy yesterday.is
was

10. Jack ____ very tired today, because he ____ at work until late last night.is
was

11. “Where ______ you yesterday. ” “I ____ at work in the morning
“Where ______ you yesterday?” “I ____ at work in the morning. Then, at night, Jennifer and I ______ at the movies.”
were
was
were

12. “_____ the weather good when you _____ on vacation
“_____ the weather good when you _____ on vacation?” “Yes, the weather ____ great! But the hotel _______ (neg.) very nice.
Was
were
was
wasn’t

13. were
The students ______ at the Natural Museum yesterday. The field trip ____ great and the students _____ very excited!
was
were

14. I ____ hungry. Can I have a doughnut, please?am

15. were
“Why _____ you so angry yesterday?” “I ____ upset because I got a bad grade on a test. All the tests _____ very hard.”
was
were

16. These sneakers _____ very nice! _____ they expensive?
are
These sneakers _____ very nice! _____ they expensive?
Were

17. “ _____ you married?” “No, I _______ (neg.) married yet.”
Are
am not

18. Lilian Marchesoni – 2009 All rights reserved.
Authored by
Lilian Marchesoni – 2009 All rights reserved.
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