The Difference Between Where, Were & We're

Learning English can often be a daunting task, given the large number of complex rules. Just when you think you are beginning to understand the grammar, you discover a new exception to the rule!

The English language contains many different words that sound exactly the same, but have very different meanings. There are many of these similar sounding words that are called "homonyms." In fact, the English language contains so many of them that native English speakers often get the terms confused. We're going to explain the difference between the common English words where, were and we're.

Where

The term "where" is an adverb used to describe the location or place or specially "at, in or to what place."

"The library is a place where people can borrow books on every subject."

Were

The term "were" is the plural past tense of the verb "are." The singular past tense of this verb is spelled "was." The word is used to describe something that has already happened or is in the past. You should use the word "was" for the first and third person (I was late or she was late), and "were" for the singular and plural of the second person (You were late).

"The terms of the business contract were clearly explained in the legal document."

We're

The term "we're" is a contraction or abbreviation of the words "we" and "are." The letter a is replaced by an apostrophe. This word is used to describe something that is either happening now or will be happening in the future.

If you have difficulty remembering when to use this particular word, check if you can replace the word you have chosen with the words "we are." If the sentence doesn't make sense, you need to use the word "were" instead.

"We're going to visit our friend who is recovering in the hospital."