Were
“Were” 对应现在时的 “are”，用于复数主语或 “you”。它描述过去的情况，也可出现在虚拟语气（如 “If I were you”）里表达与事实相反的假设。
- “They were classmates in high school.” (他们中学时是同班同学。)
- “You were right about the traffic jam.” (你说会堵车，说对了。)
- “If I were free tonight, I would join the dinner.” (如果我今晚有空，我会去参加聚餐。)
“Were” 源自古英语 “wǣron”，是动词 “be” 的过去式复数形式，属于不规则变化的历史遗留。
“Were” 为屈折形式，没有可生产的词缀结构。
“If I were” 在正式语体中仍常见；口语里也有人用 “If I was”，但考试与正式写作中多推荐复数与第二人称一致的 “were” 虚拟用法。
- 固定搭配: “were born” (出生于), “as it were” (可以说、姑且这么说), “were going to” (过去打算)
“were” 发音像“沃”，想象一群人（复数）站在过去的时间点齐声说“我们当时在那儿”。
“The streets were empty because everyone was watching the final match at home.” (街上空荡荡的，因为大家都在家看决赛。)