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"had surgery" vs "had undergone surgery"

While both of these phrases are correct, "had surgery" sounds more casual.

Last Updated: December 10, 2017

had surgery

This is correct

You can use this phrase to say that someone underwent an operation.

ExpertExplanation provided by a TextRanch English expert


Some examples from our editors:

  • I had surgery to treat an ongoing medical issue.
  • If you had surgery on Monday, why did I see you at the skating rink on Tuesday?

Some alternatives from our editors:

  • underwent an operation
  • underwent surgical treatment

had undergone surgery

This is correct

Use this phrase when explaining that someone had had an operation.

ExpertExplanation provided by a TextRanch English expert


Some examples from our editors:

  • He had undergone surgery shortly before his demise.
  • She had undergone surgery before the school year.

Some alternatives from our editors:

  • had undergone an operation
  • had undergone surgical treatment

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