are的过去式形式是were

be 的过去时复数和第二人称单数形式;有时代替 was，用于条件从句、动词 wish 之后等

His eyes were fixed on a small house in the middle distance.

他凝视着不远处的一座小房子。

We were amazed to find that no one was hurt.

我们很惊异地发现竟没有人受伤。

Many jobs in manufacturing were lost during the recession.

在经济衰退期，制造业有很多人失业了。

Ten people were invited but only five turned up.

邀请了十人，只有五人出席。