Introduction

The question "What was I" at first glance seems straightforward, but delving deeper reveals the intricate nuances of language and its impact on how we perceive ourselves and our past.

Understanding 'What Was I'

Correct Form and Meaning

The literal answer to "What was I" is "what I was," meaning "who I was" or "what I used to be." It's important to note that "What was I" clarifies the speaker's identity or state in the past. For instance, "Who was I" implies past identification whereas "What was I thinking" or "What was I doing" identifies actions or thoughts in the past.

Common Usage and Tense

Past Tense and Its Variations

When discussing actions or states that have already occurred, the past tense form "What was I" is commonly used. This form is often seen in context with other verbs or as part of a larger sentence. For example, "What was I thinking when I made that decision?" or "What was I doing when the alarm went off?"

Existential Questions and the Narrative

Linking Language to Existence

The mention of "What was I" can lead to profound existential questions. The statement "Who am I I just don't know anymore" reflects a deep, introspective journey about identity and self-awareness. This sentence can take you through a narrative that explores a character's transformation or loss of identity. An excerpt from a novel or short story might read:

"Who was I? I was a businesswoman. I was a pillar of the community. I was a wife. I was a mother. I was a daughter. I was a sister and an aunt, a granddaughter and a niece. But when you become entangled in this type of work, all of that seems to be a pretense, a veneer over some vast and unknown multi-body personality. I no longer know who I am on my own without The Cause."

Here, the speaker grapples with the complexity of identity. "What was I" is not just a simple past tense question but a powerful tool to examine the evolution and erosion of one's self-concept.

Grammar and Language Practice

Correct Subject and Object Form

The subject "I" remains unchanged in both present and past tense. In the context of "What was I," "I" is the subject, and "was" is the past tense of "to be." For example, "What was I thinking" or "What was I doing" uses "was" but the subject "I" is consistent. Similarly, "What was I" can stand alone as a question about one's identity or state in the past.

This consistency in the pronoun "I" throughout different tenses helps to maintain clarity and focus on the primary subject of the sentence, regardless of whether it's referring to identity, thought, or action.

Conclusion

Exploring the usage of "What was I" reveals not just a grammatical structure but a deep, existential inquiry into the nature of self and identity over time. Whether used in a straightforward manner or as part of a profound narrative, the sentence "What was I" serves as a powerful and versatile tool in both language and literature.