What is the difference between "was" and "were"

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Anonymous

#308931 Sat, 30 Dec 06 09:00 PM

what is the difference between was and were.

i know that "was" is for singular and "were" is for plural but how come in this sentence is different

1. The entrance exam was failed by over one-third of the appilcants to the school

2. The brakes were slammed on by her as the car sped downhill. How come "were" is there instead of "was" because is contain the word "her"

Anonymous

Plurals, Difference Between

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Marius Hancu

#308950 Sat, 30 Dec 06 10:06 PM

It's not diferent, but you don't seem to know to see where the subject is in passive sentences:

The exam: this is the singular subject, thus in passive form you should use was failed
The brakes: this is plural subject, thus in passive form you should use were slammed

Marius Hancu

Joined on Wed, Apr 26 2006

Montreal, Canada

Veteran Member (11,673)

Plurals, Difference Between, Plural Subject, Passive Sentences