Brief Summary
This video clears up the confusion between using "did" and "had" in past tense sentences. Use "did" when you know the specific time an action happened in the past (like yesterday or last week). Use "had" when an action happened before another action, and the exact time isn't important. "Did" is for simple past actions, while "had" indicates something completed earlier.
- Use "did" for past actions with a specific time.
- Use "had" for actions completed before another past action.
- "Did" = simple past, "Had" = something already done.
Did vs Had: Understanding the Difference
The video starts by acknowledging the common confusion between using "did" and "had" in past tense sentences. The instructor sets out to simplify this grammar point.
When to Use "Did"
"Did" is used when an action happened in the past and you know when it happened. This includes specific times like "yesterday," "last week," or "last month." Examples include "I did watch a movie yesterday" and "He did not do his homework." Questions are also formed using "did," such as "Did you eat?". So, if you know the time frame of the action, "did" is your go-to.
When to Use "Had"
"Had" is used when one action happened before another action in the past. The specific time of the first action isn't important, only that it occurred before the second action. Examples given are "When I reached home, he had left" and "I had already eaten my food." The focus is on the sequence of events, not the exact timing.
Simple Rule: Did vs. Had
The video concludes by summarizing the key difference: "Did" (simple past) means the action was done, while "had" means the action had already been completed before something else. The instructor gives a sentence and asks viewers to write in the comments what they would use.
