Common Grammar Mistakes: "Were" vs "We're"

As a grammar guru, it is important to address common mistakes that we often encounter. One of these errors revolves around the confusion between the words "were" and "we're". Let's take a closer look at the difference and how to use them correctly.

"Were" - Past Tense of "Are"

The word "were" is the past tense of the verb "are" and is used when referring to multiple people or things.

Example 1: We were at the movies last night.

In this sentence, "were" is used to indicate that a group of people was at the movies in the past.

Example 2: The dogs were barking all night long.

Here, "were" is used to showcase that multiple dogs were barking continuously during the night.

"We're" - Contraction of "We Are"

In contrast, "we're" is a contraction of the words "we" and "are". It is used to express the present tense of the verb "are" when talking about a group of individuals.

Example 1: We're going to the party tonight.

In this example, "we're" is used to indicate that a group of people is going to the party in the present.

Example 2: We're excited about the upcoming holiday.

Here, "we're" demonstrates that a group is currently feeling excited about the upcoming holiday.

It is understandable why these two words can be easily confused due to their similar pronunciation. However, it is crucial to remember that "were" is used in the past tense, while "we're" is used in the present tense as a contraction.

To avoid this mistake and many others, it is recommended to utilize grammar check tools like Linguix grammar checker. This tool can help you identify grammar errors and provide suggestions for corrections.