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

(341) Are they better or the people of Tubba' and those before them? We destroyed them because they were indeed Mujrimun (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, criminals).

(342) "Taste you (this)! Verily, you were (pretending to be) the mighty, the generous!

(343) This Our Record speaks about you with truth. Verily, We were recording what you used to do (i.e. Our angels used to record your deeds).

(344) But as for those who disbelieved (it will be said to them): "were not Our Verses recited to you? But you were proud, and you were a people who were Mujrimun (polytheists, disbelievers, sinners, criminals)."

(345) On the Day when those who disbelieve (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism) will be exposed to the Fire (it will be said): "You received your good things in the life of the world, and you took your pleasure therein. Now this Day you shall be recompensed with a torment of humiliation, because you were arrogant in the land without a right, and because you used to rebel against Allah's Command (disobey Allah).

(346) Then, when they saw it as a dense cloud coming towards their valleys, they said: "This is a cloud bringing us rain!" Nay, but it is that (torment) which you were asking to be hastened - a wind wherein is a painful torment!

(347) And indeed We had firmly established them with that wherewith We have not established you (O Quraish)! And We had assigned them the (faculties of) hearing (ears), seeing (eyes), and hearts; but their hearing (ears), seeing (eyes), and their hearts availed them nothing since they used to deny the Ayat (Allah's Prophets and their Prophethood, proofs, evidence, verses, signs, revelations) of Allah, and they were completely encircled by that which they used to mock at!

(348) Obedience (to Allah) and good words (were better for them). And when the matter (preparation for Jihad ) is resolved on, then if they had been true to Allah, it would have been better for them.

(349) Would you then, if you were given the authority, do mischief in the land, and sever your ties of kinship?

(350) If He were to ask you of it, and press you, you would covetously withhold, and He will bring out all your (secret) ill-wills.