TextRanch
The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

TextRanch Editors

he was sorry for what he did vs he was sorry for what he had done

These are both acceptable phrases, but they would be used in somewhat dissimilar contexts. 'He was sorry for what he did' is used when referring to a specific action in the past, while 'He was sorry for what he had done' is used when referring to a past action that had consequences or relevance to a later point in time.
Gregg profile picture

Explained by Gregg
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: December 21, 2024 • 8574 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a specific action in the past.

"he was sorry for what he did"

This phrase is used to express regret for a particular action that occurred in the past.

Examples:

  • He was sorry for what he did, but he couldn't change the outcome.
  • She was sorry for what she did to hurt his feelings.
  • Jan 9, 2024 ... I'm not saying that to be cruel either, I really don't think he was sorry for what he did.
  • Nov 14, 2024 ... ... he was sorry for what he did to me, and he cried in the passenger seat of my car. It was the realest dream I've ever had. The way he hugged ...
  • Oct 28, 2016 ... Annies dad said to her that he was sorry for what he did and that he would always be on her side. Later RB said Annie had to prove herself as being loyal.
  • Nov 14, 2024 ... ... he was sorry for what he did to me, that I hadn't deserved that. It was the realest dream I've ever had. The way he hugged me… just so many ...
  • Jan 26, 2006 ... He was sorry for what he did; he even took his own life out of regret. But being sorry for our sins isn't the same as repenting of them and ...
  • Because the word metamelomai is used in Matthew 27:3, it means Judas Iscariot did not “repent” in the sense that he was sorry for what he did and wanted to ...
  • Dec 7, 2009 ... I knew that he was sorry for what he did to me. I knew it. I felt it. I didn't need for him to explain to me why he did it, ( he admitted ...
  • Jan 9, 2014 ... When I first saw the film( and he was sorry for what he did right before he died) I think the audience was under the impression he was on ...
  • The next day he wrote me a letter saying he was sorry for what he did. It read, "If your dad finds out, it will KILL HIM." Strong words for a 10-year-old ...
  • In short, I couldn't let go because I didn't really feel that he was sorry for what he did. He also took me for granted. Many times I would talk to him and ...

Alternatives:

  • he was sorry for his actions
  • he regretted what he did
  • he felt remorseful for his actions
  • he apologized for what he did
  • he acknowledged his mistake

This phrase is correct and is used when referring to a past action that had consequences or relevance to a later point in time.

"he was sorry for what he had done"

This phrase is used to express regret for a past action that had an impact on a later event or situation.

Examples:

  • He was sorry for what he had done, as it caused a lot of trouble for his family.
  • She was sorry for what she had done, but the damage was already done.
  • Apr 18, 2014 ... He was sorry for what he had done, he was sad about it, felt guilty and had regrets, but there was no true repentance. Biblical repentance ...
  • ... he was sorry for what he had done. “The bastards deserved it, discrimination is against the law.” He said again. “Yeah you mean like how you discriminate ...
  • Nov 19, 2008 ... ... he was sorry for what he had done, and whose guilt turned into bitterness against all females and lack of honor toward himself. Later in ...
  • Oct 31, 2014 ... He talked to me and told me he was sorry for what he had done to me (I should hope so). He also said he wanted to make sure that I knew the ...
  • Apr 2, 2023 ... he was sorry for what he had done". Explanation: This sentence shows that the person apologizing did something to the person he is ...
  • He wrote that he was sorry for what he had done, but couldn't bear to live with himself. When I heard this, my heart skipped a beat. I was hit with a twinge ...
  • Apr 1, 2022 ... ... he was sorry for what he had done. We prayed, and while I can't judge a heart, it seemed that his tears were like those Paul experienced on ...
  • Mar 1, 2018 ... ... he was sorry for what he had done—and to come back and visit again. Very unlike Charlie. Remember, I've seen “The Charlie Manson Show” play ...
  • Sep 8, 2023 ... Following his arrest, the defendant sent a letter to the victims' mother, indicating that he was sorry for what he had done. On September 8 ...
  • Feb 15, 2024 ... Breivik testified he was sorry for what he had done and broke down in tears as he said his life in prison isolation was a nightmare that ...

Alternatives:

  • he was sorry for his past actions
  • he regretted what he had done
  • he felt remorseful for his past actions
  • he apologized for what he had done
  • he acknowledged his past mistake

Related Comparisons

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.

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....

Powered By Humans

TextRanch Editors

AI is a great tool, but when it comes to perfecting your writing, we rely on real human editors.

  • All our editors are native English speakers.
  • Each editor has passed a rigorous admission test to ensure quality.
  • Our global team is ready to correct any text, anytime.

MEET OUR EDITORS

TextRanch Editors

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

People Feedback 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 :)"

Profile picture of Zubair from Bangladesh

Zubair
from Bangladesh From

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

Profile picture of Arturo from Mexico

Arturo
from Mexico From

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

Profile picture of Selena from USA

Selena
from USA From

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

Profile picture of Ifiok from Nigeria

Ifiok
from Nigeria From

"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."

Profile picture of Wilson from France

Wilson
from France From

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

Profile picture of Susan from Germany

Susan
from Germany From

Trusted by Hundreds Teams

Facebook logo
Accenture logo
Air Asia logo
AirBus logo
Amazon logo
Bayer logo
Decathlon logo
Docusign logo
Ebay logo
Fiverr logo
Fossil logo
Keller Williams logo
LinkedIn logo
Loreal logo
Motorola logo
Orange logo
Roche logo
Salesforce logo
Stellantis logo