The word(s) "was" appears 429 time(s) in 379 verse(s) in Quran in Abdullah Yusuf Ali translation.

(231) "Now do thou throw thy rod!" but when he saw it moving (of its own accord) as if it had been a snake, he turned back in retreat, and retraced not his steps: O Moses!" (It was said), "Draw near, and fear not: for thou art of those who are secure.

(232) And he was arrogant and insolent in the land, beyond reason,- He and his hosts: they thought that they would not have to return to Us!

(233) So We seized him and his hosts, and We flung them into the sea: Now behold what was the end of those who did wrong!

(234) Thou wast not on the Western side when We decreed the Commission to Moses, nor wast thou a witness (of those events).

(235) But We raised up (new) generations, and long were the ages that passed over them; but thou wast not a dweller among the people of Madyan, rehearsing Our Signs to them; but it is We Who send messengers (with inspiration).

(236) Nor wast thou at the side of (the Mountain of) Tur when we called (to Moses). Yet (art thou sent) as Mercy from thy Lord, to give warning to a people to whom no warner had come before thee: in order that they may receive admonition.

(237) Nor was thy Lord the one to destroy a population until He had sent to its centre a messenger, rehearsing to them Our Signs; nor are We going to destroy a population except when its members practise iniquity.

(238) Those against whom the charge will be proved, will say: "Our Lord! These are the ones whom we led astray: we led them astray, as we were astray ourselves: we free ourselves (from them) in Thy presence: it was not us they worshipped."

(239) That Day (Allah) will call to them, and say: "What was the answer ye gave to the messengers?"

(240) Qarun was doubtless, of the people of Moses; but he acted insolently towards them: such were the treasures We had bestowed on him that their very keys would have been a burden to a body of strong men, behold, his people said to him: "Exult not, for Allah loveth not those who exult (in riches).