1. Where

• Meaning: This is used to ask about or indicate a place or location.
• Usage: Whenever you want to know where something is happening or where something is located.
• Example Sentences:
  • “Where is the nearest coffee shop?” ☕
  • “Do you know where I put my keys?”

💡 Memory Tip: Where has the letter “h” like in the word “here,” which can help you remember it’s about a place or location.

2. Were

• Meaning: This is the past tense form of “are.” It’s used with plural subjects (like “we,” “they,” or “you”) and the pronoun “you” (both singular and plural).
• Usage: Use were when talking about something that happened in the past.
• Example Sentences:
  • “We were at the park yesterday.” 🌳
  • “They were excited to see the new movie.”

💡 Memory Tip: Were is related to the past. Think of “we were,” which might help you remember it as something that happened before.

3. We’re (short for “we are”)

• Meaning: This is a contraction of “we are.”
• Usage: Use we’re when you want to talk about something happening now or in the future involving the group you’re part of.
• Example Sentences:
  • “We’re going to the concert tonight.” 🎶
  • “We’re excited for the weekend!”

💡 Memory Tip: We’re has an apostrophe, showing it’s a contraction. If you can replace it with “we are” in the sentence and it still makes sense, you’re using it correctly!

Common Mistakes and Quick Fixes

• Mixing up “were” and “we’re”: Remember, if you’re talking about a group action in the past, you’ll use were. If it’s happening now or soon, use we’re.
• Accidentally using “where” for other meanings: “Where” should only be for location. If you’re describing people or time, it’s best to check if “were” or “we’re” fits.

Practice Exercise

Fill in the blanks with the correct word: where, were, or we’re.

1. _______ did you leave the book?
2. I think _______ meeting at the café later.
3. They _______ happy to help with the project.
4. Do you remember _______ we met last time?
5. _______ planning to watch a movie tonight.

Answers:

1. Where
2. We’re
3. Were
4. Where
5. We’re