Introduction
This is a common PSLE grammar trap: students see “asleep” and get unsure which form of “be” to use. This was asleep grammar question becomes easy once you check the subject (singular/plural) and the time clue in the sentence.
The Question / Scenario Explanation
Source: English Paper, Question 6
The baby _____ asleep before the guests arrived.
Options:
- were
- was ✅
- is
- be
Step-by-Step Solution / Explanation
Step 1: Identify the subject
Subject: The baby
“Baby” is singular, so we need a singular verb form.
Step 2: Identify the time clue (tense)
The phrase “before the guests arrived” shows this happened in the past.
So we need past tense of “be”.
Step 3: Choose the correct singular past tense
Singular past tense of “be” = was.
Correct sentence:
The baby was asleep before the guests arrived.
Correct Answer: Option (2) was ✅
Key Concepts Students Must Know
- was asleep grammar: “asleep” is an adjective, so we use the verb “be” before it
- Subject-verb agreement:
- singular → was
- plural → were
- Time clues:
- “arrived” is past tense → main verb should match past tense too
Exam Tips / Common Mistakes
Exam Tips
- Circle the subject first (baby = singular)
- Underline the time clue (“arrived” = past)
- Then choose the matching verb form (singular + past = was)
This method works for every was asleep grammar style question.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing “were” because students think “guests” affects the verb (but the subject is “baby”)
- Choosing “is” because they ignore the past time clue “arrived”
- Choosing “be” even though there is no helper verb (should/will/must)
Parent Insight
Many children make grammar mistakes because they rush and do not check subject and tense. For was asleep grammar questions, training your child to always check “Who?” (subject) and “When?” (tense) can quickly improve accuracy in PSLE grammar MCQ and editing sections.
Conclusion
This sentence is in the past (“arrived”), and the subject is singular (“the baby”). That’s why was asleep grammar is correct, and the answer is was.
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