"have you ever bought" vs "did you ever buy"

Question

"have you ever bought" vs "did you ever buy"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Did you ever buy' is used in the past simple tense to ask about a specific action in the past. 'Have you ever bought' is used in the present perfect tense to ask about experiences or actions that occurred at an unspecified time in the past up to now.

Last Updated: March 30, 2024

This phrase is used in the present perfect tense to inquire about any purchases or actions that someone has experienced at any time in the past up to the present moment.

Examples:

Have you ever bought a lottery ticket?
Have you ever bought anything online?

Alternatives:

Have you ever purchased
Have you ever acquired
Have you ever obtained
Did you ever buy
Did you ever purchase

This phrase is used in the past simple tense to inquire about a specific purchase or action that occurred at a particular time in the past.

Examples:

Did you ever buy that book you were talking about?
Did you ever buy a car when you lived in the city?

Alternatives:

Did you buy
Have you bought
Have you ever purchased
Have you ever acquired
Have you ever obtained

Answer 1

have you ever bought

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English in the present perfect tense to ask about experiences or actions that occurred at an unspecified time in the past up to now.

Answer 2

did you ever buy

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English in the past simple tense to ask about a specific action in the past.

"have you ever bought" vs "did you ever buy"

have you ever bought

did you ever buy

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