Dictionary monolingual
English

Was

wəz
Extremely common
0 - 100
0 - 100
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Was -

Past tense of the verb 'to be' (first and third person singular)

Example: I was at the store yesterday.
Usage: informalContext: casual conversations, storytelling
Note: Commonly used in everyday speech to indicate a past action or state

Indicating a temporary state or condition in the past

Example: She was sick last week.
Usage: formal/informalContext: describing past conditions or situations
Note: Used to describe a state that existed for a limited time in the past

Expressing a hypothetical situation in the past

Example: If I was taller, I could reach the top shelf.
Usage: formal/informalContext: conditional statements in the past
Note: Used to talk about unreal or unlikely situations in the past

Was's synonyms

Were

Used to indicate the past tense of 'to be' in the plural form.
Example: They were at the park yesterday.
Note: It is used when referring to multiple subjects in the past tense.

Had been

Indicates an action that took place before a certain point in the past.
Example: She had been to Paris before.
Note: It implies a completed action that occurred before another past event.

Had

Expresses an action completed before a specific time in the past.
Example: He had finished his homework by the time his friends arrived.
Note: It is used to indicate completion of an action before a certain point in the past.

Used to be

Describes a past state or habitual action that is no longer true.
Example: She used to be a teacher before she became a writer.
Note: It emphasizes a previous state or action that is no longer the case.

Was expressions, common phrases

Was up

A casual greeting asking about someone's current state or activities.
Example: Hey, what's up?
Note: The phrase 'Was up' is a colloquial and informal way of saying 'What is up?'

Wasn't born yesterday

To imply that one is not easily deceived or fooled.
Example: I know what you're up to. I wasn't born yesterday.
Note: This phrase uses 'wasn't born yesterday' metaphorically to convey experience and wisdom.

Was a close call

Describes a situation where something dangerous or unpleasant almost happened but was avoided at the last moment.
Example: That car nearly hit me! It was a close call.
Note: The phrase 'was a close call' emphasizes the nearness of the dangerous event.

Was a piece of cake

Indicates that something was very easy to do or accomplish.
Example: The exam was a piece of cake for me.
Note: This phrase uses 'a piece of cake' as a metaphor for something effortless or simple.

Was on cloud nine

To be extremely happy or elated.
Example: After winning the competition, she was on cloud nine.
Note: The phrase 'was on cloud nine' conveys a feeling of euphoria or extreme joy.

Was caught red-handed

To be caught in the act of committing a crime or wrongdoing.
Example: He was caught red-handed stealing from the store.
Note: 'Caught red-handed' refers to being caught in the act, with evidence clearly showing guilt.

Was blown away

To be extremely impressed or amazed by something.
Example: I was blown away by her performance in the play.
Note: The phrase 'was blown away' expresses a strong sense of awe or admiration.

Was a blessing in disguise

Something that initially seems bad or unfortunate but turns out to be beneficial in the long run.
Example: Losing my job was a blessing in disguise as it led me to start my own business.
Note: This phrase uses 'a blessing in disguise' to highlight the hidden positive outcome of a seemingly negative event.

Was in the same boat

To be in a similar situation or facing the same difficulties as someone else.
Example: I lost my luggage too. We were in the same boat.
Note: The phrase 'in the same boat' emphasizes shared circumstances or challenges with another person.

Was everyday (slang) expressions

Was cracking

This slang term is used as a casual greeting, similar to 'What's up?' or 'What's going on?'
Example: Hey, what's cracking? Did you hear about the party tonight?
Note: It is more informal and can be considered more conversational than the standard 'What's up?'

Was good

This slang term is a shortened form of 'What is good' or 'What is going on', used as a friendly greeting or to inquire about someone's well-being.
Example: Hey, was good with you? Are you free this weekend?
Note: It is a more relaxed and informal way of asking 'How are you?'

Was popping

This slang term is used to describe something exciting, lively, or happening.
Example: The party last night was popping! The music was great and everyone was dancing.
Note: It conveys a sense of vibrancy and excitement, different from simply saying 'was fun'.

Was the tea

This slang term refers to gossip, news, or the latest information on a particular topic.
Example: Tell me, what's the tea with that new guy in accounting? I heard there's some drama.
Note: It is a playful and colloquial way of asking for or sharing juicy information.

Was lit

This slang term is used to describe something that is exciting, excellent, or impressive.
Example: The concert last night was lit! The band put on an amazing show.
Note: It is more emphatic than saying 'was great' or 'was awesome'.

Was the move

This slang term is used to ask about or suggest a plan of action or activity.
Example: Going to the beach this weekend, what's the move?
Note: It implies a sense of direction or decision-making, unlike just asking 'What are we doing?'

Was Gucci

This slang term is a casual way of saying everything is good, fine, or okay.
Example: Everything is Gucci, don't worry about it.
Note: It is a hip and laid-back expression, similar to saying 'Everything is cool'.

Was - Examples

I was tired after work yesterday.
She was happy to see her friends at the party.
We were late for the meeting this morning.

Was grammar

Was - Auxiliary (Auxiliary) / Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense)
Lemma: be
Conjugations
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): be
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): was, were
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): being
Verb, past participle (Verb, past participle): been
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): am, are
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): is
Syllables, Separation and Stress
Was Contains 1 syllables: was
Phonetic transcription:
was , (The red syllable is stressed)

Was - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
Was: 0 - 100 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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