he knows what he had done vs he knows what he did

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'He knows what he had done' is used when referring to something that was completed in the past, while 'He knows what he did' is used when talking about a past action without emphasizing the completion. The choice between the two depends on the specific context and the nuance the speaker wants to convey.

Last updated: April 04, 2024 • 405 views

This phrase is correct and is used when referring to something that was completed in the past.

"he knows what he had done"

This phrase is used when talking about a past action that has been completed. It emphasizes the completion of the action.

Examples:

He knows what he had done wrong.
She knows what she had said to upset him.

Show examples from the web [+]

he knows what he had done
Expect he knows what he's doing.
This man, he knows what he's doing.
I think he knows what he's doing.
'cause he knows what he did.
Looks like he knows what he's doing.
Okay, I guess he knows what he's doing.
Saddam, he knows what he did was wrong.
And he knows what he wants out of life.
Graham, he knows what he's doing.
Her lawyer seems like he knows what he's doing.
'cause he knows what he did.
As a mountain farmer he knows what he's talking about.
Paul reminds his readers that he knows what he's asking.
He... he knows what he's doing.
Whoever he is, he knows what he's doing.
I think he knows what he's talking about.
I sure hope he knows what he's in for because it's going to be a long race for the both of you.
Don't worry, he knows what he is doing.
It looks all wet to us, but he knows what he's doing.
Don't worry, he knows what he's doing.

Alternatives:

He knows what he did.
He knows what he has done.
He knows what he was doing.
He knows what he has been doing.
He knows what he had been doing.

This phrase is correct and is used when talking about a past action without emphasizing the completion.

"he knows what he did"

This phrase is used when referring to a past action without focusing on whether it was completed or not.

Examples:

He knows what he did wrong.
She knows what she did to help him.

Show examples from the web [+]

'cause he knows what he did.
He knows what he did.
'cause he knows what he did.
Saddam, he knows what he did was wrong.
And he knows what he did was illegal.
Vincent lost control on Agent Reynolds, and now he knows what he did to your father.
At the same time, he knows what he did and is willing to call a spade a spade.
He knows what he did to you.
He knows what he did was wrong.
He knows what he did to me.
Because he knows what he did was wrong.
I know why he called you- 'cause he knows what he did was wrong.
He knows what he did.
He knows what he did.
He knows what he did.
He knows what he did.

Alternatives:

He knows what he had done.
He knows what he has done.
He knows what he was doing.
He knows what he has been doing.
He knows what he had been doing.

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

he knows what he had done vs he knows what he did