The word “was” is the past tense of the verb “be” used with singular subjects. Writers use it to describe past states, identities, locations, or conditions. The examples below are drawn from authentic works to show how “was” appears in real writing.
Real Sentences for Was
His manners were perfect, and his courtliness was that of a typical southern gentleman of the highest type.
Source: A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
18 words, 107 characters
They were in part peculiar indeed, but I have followed them to each last detail as faithfully as I was able.
Source: A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
21 words, 108 characters
As to the details of his life during these years he was very reticent, in fact he would not talk of them at all.
Source: A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
24 words, 112 characters
His horsemanship, especially after hounds, was a marvel and delight even in that country of magnificent horsemen.
Source: A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
17 words, 113 characters
It was Tars Tarkas, and I could read his thoughts as they were an open book for the undisguised loathing upon his face.
Source: A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
23 words, 119 characters
I was then a child of but five years, yet I well remember the tall, dark, smooth-faced, athletic man whom I called Uncle Jack.
Source: A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
24 words, 126 characters
It was agreed that I was to hold down our claim against the remote possibility of its being jumped by some wandering prospector.
Source: A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
23 words, 128 characters
I thought at the time that he was praying, although I never understood that he was in the strict sense of the term a religious man.
Source: A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
26 words, 131 characters
My last sight of Powell was about three in the afternoon as he entered the shadows of the range on the opposite side of the valley.
Source: A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
26 words, 131 characters
The instructions impressed upon me that I must personally see that this was carried out just as he directed, even in secrecy if necessary.
Source: A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
24 words, 138 characters
His property was left in such a way that I was to receive the entire income for twenty-five years, when the principal was to become mine.
Source: A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
26 words, 138 characters
Powell, who was a mining engineer by education, stated that we had uncovered over a million dollars worth of ore in a trifle over three months.
Source: A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
26 words, 143 characters
As Powell was familiar with the country, as well as with the mechanical requirements of mining we determined that it would be best for him to make the trip.
Source: A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
29 words, 156 characters
When he returned it was without warning, and I was much surprised to note that he had not aged apparently a moment, nor had he changed in any other outward way.
Source: A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
31 words, 160 characters
And now was one to believe that there was nowhere a god of hogs, to whom this hog-personality was precious, to whom these hog-squeals and agonies had a meaning?
Source: The Jungle by Upton Sinclair
29 words, 160 characters
He was a splendid specimen of manhood, standing a good two inches over six feet, broad of shoulder and narrow of hip, with the carriage of the trained fighting man.
Source: A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
30 words, 164 characters
More examples coming soon.
