We-Are-Were | Commonly Confused Words

We are

/wi ɑr/

A phrase used to indicate that something is happening or will happen soon involving the people speaking.

We are all set for the meeting tomorrow.We are thrilled to announce our new product line!We are looking forward to your feedback.

/wə/

This is the past tense of 'are' which is used with 'you', 'we', and 'they'.

The skies were overcast with looming gray clouds.The children were eager to start the treasure hunt.We were delighted to see so many guests arrive.

We are is always present tense, indicating something happening now or soon.
Were is past tense, used to describe something that happened in the past.
Remember we are starts with we, plural and present, and are is a current action.
We always refers to the subject doing something, and are tells you it’s in the present.
Were relates to situations or states that have already happened, hinting at a previous completion or occurrence.