were not
Ammettono che non erano sicuri.
They admit that they weren't sure.
Non dovete vederli come non erano.
You don't have to see them as they weren't.
— La banda Baader Meinhof (2008)
Non erano interessate a fare un viaggio su una vera nave a vela.
They weren't interested in taking a trip on a real sailing ship.
Molti uomini del Papa non erano preparati alla battaglia.
Many of the Pope’s men were not prepared for battle.
Tom e Mary non erano in grado di aiutare John a farlo.
Tom and Mary weren't able to help John do it.