Where Vs Were- Difference Between Where and Were

The words 'where' and 'were' may sound and look similar, but they have entirely different meanings and uses. You might use them interchangeably, often unknowingly. 

But mixing up these two words can change the meaning of sentences, making your communication totally out of context. That's why understanding the differences between 'where' and 'were' is essential. 

Let's learn how proper uses of 'where' and 'were' make verbal and written communication clear and crisp

What is the Differences Between Where and Were?

'Where' and 'Were' are similar-looking words, so it's easy to become confused while applying these in sentences, and mistakes may happen. Although they differ only by a 'h' in their spellings, there are significant differences between them. It is essential to understand the meaning of both and how they are applied in different contexts.

'Where' refers to places or locations when asking about them. 'Where' can also be used in a sentence as a subordinating conjunction to connect a dependent clause with the independent clause.

The word 'were' is used for the past continuous tense of 'was' with subjects like the second person singular (You) and third person plural (They and more than one person)

Read More: Types of Sentences with Examples

Examples of Where vs Were

Understanding the difference between where and were can be tricky, but the examples below will help clarify how each word is used correctly in a sentence.

Examples of Where

The following examples of 'Where' clarify the application of the term.

 Asking about the location or place

Where are you going?

Where do you stay?

Where are the keys?

As an adverb or subordinating clause

The hotel, where we spent our last vacation, was very conveniently located.

The resort, where we will stay, is very close to the river.

I prefer a job location where I can afford a rented house.

As a status or situation

Where there is will, there is a way.

Read more: 8 Parts of Speech 

Examples of 'Were'

The following examples explain the use of 'were' to clarify the term's application.

'Were' as the Past Tense of 'Are'

This use shows that something happened in the past and involves more than one person or thing.

Examples:

• They were sleeping when the earthquake took place.

• There were many animals in the forest we visited.

• We were very good friends in college.

'Were' as the Plural Form of 'Was'

While 'was' is used with singular subjects like he, she, or it, 'were' is used when the subject is plural.

Examples:

• The children were playing in the field.

• The passengers were waiting for the train.

 As a hypothetical situation or wish

In this case, 'were' is used even with singular subjects like I, he, or she. It expresses something unreal, imaginary, or contrary to fact, often in conditional sentences or when making a wish.

Example:

If I were you, I would not take the risk.  (This means I am not you, but I am imagining what I would do in your place.)

You will often see this form in sentences starting with "If" or "I wish".

More examples:

• If she were here, she would know what t do.

• I wish it were easier to make a decision.

Read More: List of Three-Letter Words in English

Examples of Where and Were Used Simultaneously

Some sentences include both 'where and 'were' in the same sentence, often next to each other. One must be very careful of ‘where’ and ‘were’ differences while speaking and writing these types of sentences. Here are the examples:

Where were you last evening?

Wherever you are going, there are many wild animals.

Her parents were not sure where she would be traveling to.

Rules of Using Comma with 'Where'

There are instances when we use a comma before or after the word 'where' or not within a sentence. The examples are given below. 

When using a comma before 'where':

The sentence before and after 'where' can be a standalone, meaningful sentence

We are planning a trip to Sikkim, where the weather is colder.

We visited Prayag, where we took the holy dip in the Ganges.

When not using a comma after 'where':

The sentence before where' doesn't completely carry a meaning.

Please tell me where I should keep my luggage.

I asked the attendant where I could have dinner.

Read More: Words that Start With R

Rules of Using 'Were'

When a sentence starts with "There," the verb that follows (like "was" or "were") must match the number of the subject that comes after it.

If the subject is one thing (singular), use "was."
If the subject is more than one (plural), use "were."

Examples:
There was a large village in this part of the desert.
("Village" is one thing, so we use "was")

There were several activities for the children.
("Activities" is more than one, so we use "were")

You can also use "were" at the beginning of a question.

Examples:
Were you in the class when the teacher explained the topic?

Were the driver and passengers safe after the bus hit the wall?

In short, use "were" when talking about more than one person or thing, or when asking a question in the past.

Understanding the difference between words like ‘where’ and ‘were’ can make a big difference in writing and speaking. CuriousJr online classes help kids learn grammar in a fun and easy way. Book a demo class today to see how your child can start learning better with Curious Junior.