what were

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what were" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when asking about past events or situations. Example: "What were the main reasons for the decision?" Alternative expressions include "what did" and "what had."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What were the circumstances?

The New York Times

What were they saying?

The New York Times - Arts

What were those events?

Independent

What were they like?

The New York Times

What were your criteria?

The New York Times

What were their stories?

The New York Times

"What were they celebrating?

The Economist

What were Koch's weaknesses?

The New Yorker

What were we thinking?

The Economist

What were their names?

Independent

What were the findings?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what were" to inquire about past states, conditions, or actions, ensuring the subject is plural or uncountable. For example: "What were the consequences of that decision?"

Common error

Avoid using "what were" with singular subjects. The correct form for a singular subject is "what was". For example, instead of saying "What were the main issue?", say "What was the main issue?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what were" functions as an interrogative phrase, typically used to introduce questions about the characteristics, conditions, or states of plural or uncountable nouns in the past. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Science

9%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what were" serves as a fundamental tool for inquiring about past circumstances involving plural or uncountable subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical soundness and widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, highlight its versatility. The most frequent contexts for this query, according to Ludwig, are found in journalistic reporting and scientific inquiries. When writing, ensure alignment with plural subjects and reference past events. Steer clear of using this phrase with singular subjects. For variations, consider alternatives like "what was" (for singular subjects), or rephrase your query with phrases such as "what did they consist of" to vary your phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what was

Singular form, used when referring to a single entity or subject.

what had been

Emphasizes a state or condition that existed before a specific point in the past.

what did they consist of

Focuses on the components or elements that made up something in the past.

what used to be

Highlights a contrast between a past state and the current situation.

what constituted

Formal way to ask about the elements or factors that made up something.

what did they involve

Focuses on the activities or actions that were part of a past event or process.

what was the nature of

Seeks to understand the characteristics or qualities of something in the past.

what did they represent

Inquires about the meaning or significance of something in the past.

what were the characteristics of

Asks for a detailed description of the qualities or features of something in the past.

how did they use to

Focuses on habitual actions or behaviors in the past.

FAQs

How do I use "what were" in a sentence?

Use "what were" to ask about the nature, condition, or characteristics of something in the past when referring to plural or uncountable nouns. For example, "What were the reasons for the decision?"

When should I use "what was" instead of "what were"?

Use "what was" when referring to a singular subject or an uncountable noun. "What were" is used for plural subjects. For example, use "what was" in the sentence "What was the outcome of the meeting?"

What are some alternative ways to phrase questions using "what were"?

You can use phrases like "what constituted", "what did they involve", or "what used to be" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "what were" and "what had been"?

"What were" inquires about the state or condition at a specific time in the past, while "what had been" refers to a state or condition that existed before a certain point in the past. The latter emphasizes something that was previously true but may no longer be.