Understanding what is are past tense requires a fundamental shift in perspective. The phrase itself combines two distinct grammatical elements, creating a point of frequent confusion for English learners. To master this concept, one must first separate the identities of "is" and "are" before examining how they behave in the past.
The Anatomy of "Is" and "Are"
At their core, "is" and "are" function as present tense forms of the verb "to be." They serve as linking verbs, connecting the subject of a sentence to a noun or adjective that identifies or describes it. The distinction between them is singular versus plural. "Is" aligns with singular subjects such as "he," "she," "it," or a single noun. Conversely, "are" applies to plural subjects like "they," "we," or multiple nouns. This foundational rule dictates their usage in the present, but what is are past tense requires us to look backward in time.
The True Past Tense Forms
When we shift the focus to the past, the verbs "is" and "are" cease to exist in their original form. English grammar does not allow for a direct transformation of "is/are" into the past by simply adding "-ed." Instead, the language utilizes an entirely different verb to fulfill this role. The past tense of "to be" is "was" for singular subjects and "were" for plural subjects. Therefore, the accurate answer to what is are past tense is that they become "was" and "were," respectively.
Subject-Verb Agreement in the Past
Just as in the present tense, subject-verb agreement remains crucial in the past tense. The choice between "was" and "were" depends entirely on the subject of the sentence. If the subject is singular, the past tense verb must be "was." If the subject is plural, the past tense verb must be "were." This rule applies consistently, whether the subject is a person, a place, a thing, or an idea. Mastering this agreement is the key to constructing grammatically correct sentences when referring to previous states of being.
Practical Examples and Common Scenarios
Seeing the theory applied in real-world examples solidifies the concept. Consider a sentence describing a singular entity: "The cat was sleeping on the mat." Here, the singular subject "cat" correctly pairs with "was." Now, consider a plural subject: "The dogs were barking loudly." In this instance, the plural subject "dogs" requires the plural form "were." These examples illustrate the direct replacement of the present tense "is/are" with the appropriate past tense form.
The Subjunctive Mood: An Important Exception
While "was" and "were" cover the majority of situations, a notable exception exists in the subjunctive mood. The subjunctive is used to express hypothetical situations, wishes, or conditions contrary to fact. In these contexts, "were" is often used for all subjects, regardless of whether they are singular or plural. For example, in the sentence "If I were rich," the speaker is acknowledging they are not rich, but using the hypothetical "were" instead of "was." This specific usage reinforces the distinction between standard past tense and conditional mood.
Why This Distinction Matters
Accuracy in language conveys professionalism and respect for the listener or reader. Using "was" or "were" incorrectly can immediately mark a speaker as unfamiliar with the language's structure. It transforms a simple statement about the past into a signal of grammatical uncertainty. By understanding that what is are past tense resolves to "was" and "were," writers and speakers eliminate a common error. This clarity ensures that the intended message regarding a previous state is communicated precisely and effectively.
