"did you write the diary?" vs "have you written your diary?"

Question

"did you write the diary?" vs "have you written your diary?"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Have you written your diary?' is asking about a recent action, while 'Did you write the diary?' is asking about a specific past event. The choice between them depends on the timeframe you are referring to.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase is used to ask if someone completed the act of writing in their diary at a particular point in the past.

Examples:

Did you write the diary entry for yesterday?
Did you write the diary last night?
Did you write the diary for last week?
Did you write the diary for the month of June?
Did you write the diary for the year?

Alternatives:

Did you make an entry in the diary?
Did you record in the diary?
Did you fill in the diary?
Did you update the diary?
Did you jot down in the diary?

This phrase is used to inquire if someone has recently written in their diary. It implies a connection to the present moment.

Examples:

Have you written your diary for today?
Have you written your diary entry yet?
Have you written your diary since yesterday?
Have you written your diary for this week?
Have you written your diary for the month?

Alternatives:

Have you written in your diary?
Have you filled in your diary?
Have you updated your diary?
Have you made an entry in your diary?
Have you recorded in your diary?

Answer 1

did you write the diary?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to ask about a specific past event.

Answer 2

have you written your diary?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to ask about a recent action.

"did you write the diary?" vs "have you written your diary?"

did you write the diary?

have you written your diary?

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