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had spent vs have spent

Both "had spent" and "have spent" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Had spent" is in the past perfect form, which indicates that an action occurred before another past action. On the other hand, "have spent" is in the present perfect form, which means an action started in the past and has relevance to the present.
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Explained by Vince
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: July 28, 2024

had spent

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English in the past perfect tense.

Use "had spent" in the past perfect tense to indicate an action that occurred before another past action. For example, "She had spent all her money before she realized her mistake."

Examples:

  • He had spent all his savings before he lost his job.
  • By the time we arrived, they had spent all the food.
  • She had spent hours preparing for the exam, but she still failed.
  • I had spent years working on that project before it was canceled.
  • They had spent a lot of time planning the event, but it was canceled at the last minute.

Alternatives:

  • had used
  • had consumed
  • had utilized
  • had exhausted
  • had employed

have spent

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English in the present perfect tense.

Use "have spent" in the present perfect tense to indicate an action that started in the past and has relevance to the present. For example, "I have spent all day cleaning the house."

Examples:

  • She has spent a lot of time studying for the exam.
  • We have spent a week in Paris.
  • He has spent all his money on that car.
  • They have spent years building their business.
  • I have spent hours looking for my keys.

Alternatives:

  • have used
  • have consumed
  • have utilized
  • have exhausted
  • have employed

Related Comparisons

we spent vs we have spent it has broken. vs it got broken. you spent vs you've spent pipe has broken. vs pipe is broken. has relatively spent vs had relatively spent Childhood has been spent vs childhood spent in early

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