In this beginner lesson (A1), learn how to use the past tense of the verb BE — was, were — with clear explanations and practice.
In this video: • Learn how to use was and were correctly • Practice simple past tense sentences • Form questions and short answers • Use negative forms (wasn’t / weren’t) • Read easy sentences to build confidence
This lesson is for beginners who want to speak more naturally and understand basic English grammar step by step.
📌 Tip: Listen and repeat. Practice every day to build confidence!
💬 Practice in the comments: Where were you yesterday?
👍 Like and subscribe for more beginner English lessons!
INDEX 0:00 Introduction 0:12 Subject pronouns + was/were 1:07 Sentences 2:26 Yes-no questions 3:45 Negative forms & contractions 6:18 Reading practice
Hi. I'm Jennifer.
Let's review the past tense forms of BE.
Listen and repeat.
Do you know the verbs?
Help me.
he
she
it
we
they
Good.
Let's make sentences.
Choose the correct verb.
She was in Paris last month.
They were in Rome last year.
My grandparents were kind.
You were a cute baby.
Let's make questions.
Example.
Next.
Was it interesting?
Yes, it was.
Was she nice?
Yes, she was.
Was he at work?
Yes, he was.
Were they at home?
Yes, they were.
Were you there?
Yes, I was.
Were we right?
Yes, you were.
Say the negative forms with me.
Was not.
Were not.
Now say the contractions, the short forms.
Good.
Let's make negative forms.
Listen and repeat.
No, you were not at school.
You weren't at school.
He was in class.
No, he was not in class.
He wasn't in class.
She was at the meeting.
No, she was not at the meeting.
She wasn't at the meeting.
It was bad.
No, it was not bad.
It wasn't bad.
We were cold.
No, we were not cold.
We weren't cold.
They were at the beach.
No, they were not at the beach.
They weren't at the beach.
Let's read together.
The water wasn't cold.
The water was nice.
They were at work.
They were at a meeting.
They were busy.
It was his birthday yesterday.
It was a fun party.
The food was good.
Yesterday was nice.
I wasn't at work.
I was on the couch all day.
My cats were with me.
You were a good student in school.
You were serious.
Do you like to practice English?
You're a good student.
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Thanks for watching.
Happy studies!
