The word(s) "were" appears 484 time(s) in 411 verse(s) in Quran in Mohsin Khan translation.

(211) Nay, they say: "These (revelations of the Qur'an which are revealed to Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) are mixed up false dreams! Nay, he has invented them! - Nay, he is a poet! Let him then bring us an Ayah (sign as a proof) like the ones (Prophets) the former were sent (with)!"

(212) And We did not create them (the Messengers, with) bodies that ate not food, nor were they immortals.

(213) Had We intended to take a pastime (i.e. a wife or a son), We could surely have taken it from Us, if We were going to do (that).

(214) Have not those who disbelieve known that the heavens and the earth were joined together as one united piece, then We parted them? And We have made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?

(215) Indeed, (many) Messengers were mocked before you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), but the scoffers were surrounded by that, whereat they used to mock.

(216) And indeed We bestowed aforetime on Ibrahim (Abraham) his (portion of) guidance, and We were Well-Acquainted with him (as to his Belief in the Oneness of Allah).

(217) And We made them leaders, guiding (mankind) by Our Command, and We revealed to them the doing of good deeds, performing Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and the giving of Zakat and of Us (Alone) they were the worshippers.

(218) And (remember) Lut (Lot), We gave him Hukm (right judgement of the affairs and Prophethood) and (religious) knowledge, and We saved him from the town (folk) who practised Al-Khaba'ith (evil, wicked and filthy deeds). Verily, they were a people given to evil, and were Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah).

(219) And (remember) Nuh (Noah), when he cried (to Us) aforetime. We answered his invocation and saved him and his family from the great distress.

(220) We helped him against the people who denied Our Ayat (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). Verily, they were a people given to evil. So We drowned them all.