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Academy11+

11+ English · Topic explained

Standard English

Is it "we was" or "we were"?

The big idea

Standard English is the grammar expected in exams and formal writing, like "we were" and "I did it".

Picture it

Standard English is like school uniform: at home you can wear anything, but for exams you wear the uniform.

Key words

Standard English
The grammar used in exams, books and formal writing.
non-standard English
Forms used in some speech, like "we was", "I done it", "them books".
agreement
The verb matches its subject: I was, we were, she does, they do.

Worked examples

  1. 1Warm-up

    We was late. → We were late.

    • With we, you, they: were.
    • With I, he, she, it: was.
  2. 211+ standard

    I done my homework. → I did my homework. / I have done my homework.

    • done needs a helper: have done.
    • On its own, use did.
  3. 311+ standard

    Pass me them books. → Pass me those books.

    • Before a noun, use those, not them.
  4. 411+ standard

    I should of gone. → I should have gone.

    • We hear "should of", but it's should have (should've).
    • The same goes for could have and would have.

The common mistake

The mistake

"Should of" is right because that's how it sounds.

Instead

It's "should have", shortened to "should've".

Why: Should've sounds like should of, but of isn't a verb.

Where it comes up in the 11+

SPaG questions ask you to pick the Standard English option, and proofreading hides "we was" and "could of".

The video

Video coming soon

We're making a short video that explains standard english step by step. Until then, everything it covers is on this page.

Free printable

Standard English worksheet

Practice questions on this topic to print and try on paper, at home or on the way to school.

Download the worksheet (PDF)

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Quick quiz

Have a go first, then tap to see the answer.

  1. 1. Which is Standard English?

    • They was playing.
    • They were playing.
    • They is playing.
    Show the answer

    They were playing.

    They takes were.

  2. 2. Which is Standard English?

    • I could of won.
    • I could have won.
    • I could has won.
    Show the answer

    I could have won.

    Could have, shortened to could've, never could of.

  3. 3. Which is Standard English?

    • I haven't got no pens.
    • I haven't got any pens.
    • I ain't got any pens.
    Show the answer

    I haven't got any pens.

    No double negative and no ain't.