English pronunciation · Words Starting with W
Was Pronunciation
Was is pronounced WAHZ, IPA /ˈwɑz/.
WAHZ
US /ˈwɑz/ · UK /ˈwɒz/
Syllables: WAHZ (1 syllable)
verb (past tense of be): The past form of be used with I, he, she, and it.
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Two Ways to Say Was
The pronunciation changes with the meaning or the part of speech. The form above is the most common; the others are:
- the weak form, wuhz, used whenever the word is unstressed: /wəz/
Was in a Sentence
- It was colder than anyone expected.
- She was already on the train.
- There was nothing left to say.
Common Mispronunciations of Was
Not WAS
Let the final letter buzz. Was is spelled with an s but has never been said with one.
Not WAZ (in every sentence)
Reserve the full vowel for emphasis. Ordinary sentences reduce the word to a quick wuhz, so I was there comes out as uh-wuhz-THER.
Tip: Was almost never carries the beat. Save the strong WAHZ for contradictions, as in It was locked.
More words starting with w · Every word in the pronunciation guide