The phrase "wast carried along" is an example of Early Modern English spelling. The word "wast" is an archaic form of "was" and would have been pronounced /wɑːst/ in IPA transcription. The word "carried" is spelled the same as its modern counterpart but would have been pronounced with a slightly different stress pattern: /ˈkærɪd/. Finally, the word "along" is also spelled the same as its modern form, but was pronounced with a long "o" sound: /əˈlɔŋ/. Together, these words demonstrate the evolution of English spelling and pronunciation over time.
The phrase "wast carried along" consists of several terms that explain a specific action. "Wast" is an archaic form of the verb "were," used in the past tense to refer to the second person singular. "Carried" is the past participle of the verb "carry," which signifies the act of moving or transporting something or someone from one location to another. And finally, "along" is an adverb that indicates movement in a particular direction or in the company of others.
When combined, "wast carried along" describes a situation in the past where someone or something was transported or moved forward in a certain direction. The speaker employs this phrase to highlight that the subject was not stationary but rather moved or carried together with others or by some external force.
The phrase can be used metaphorically to portray a scenario where someone is being influenced or guided by external factors, events, or circumstances beyond their control. It conveys the sense of being swept along without actively participating in or having control over the course of events. This phrase evokes a sense of being at the mercy of uncontrollable forces or circumstances, not exercising agency, decision-making, or autonomy.