I already ate vs I have already eaten

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I already ate' is commonly used in informal situations, while 'I have already eaten' is more formal and grammatically correct. The choice between them depends on the level of formality you want to convey.

Last updated: April 06, 2024 • 1344 views

I already ate

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal situations.

This phrase is commonly used in spoken English to inform someone that you have already had a meal. It is more casual and less formal than 'I have already eaten.'

Examples:

I already ate, so I'm not hungry right now.

Show examples from the web [+]

Thank you. I already ate.
I already ate, but thank you.
No, thanks I already ate.
I already ate my regular vacation days up.
I already ate, thank you.
And, no, thanks, I already ate.
No. I already ate, thanks.
No, thanks. I already ate.
I already ate the protein bars.
It's okay, I already ate.
Just a small piece, I already ate at the hospital.
No, thank you. I already ate.
I'm good, I already ate.
Sounds real good, sheriff, but I already ate.
I already ate, but I'll join you.
I'm starving, and I already ate the emergency jerky I keep in my cheek.
That's nice of you to offer, but I already ate.
You know, I already ate, plus I just want to... kind of go over some of this stuff.
And I already ate a bunch of your food!
I already ate all the pizza bagels in the freezer!

Alternatives:

I already had my meal.
I've already eaten.

I have already eaten

This phrase is correct and more formal than 'I already ate.'

'I have already eaten' is a grammatically correct way to inform someone that you have already had a meal. It is more formal and suitable for written or formal spoken English.

Examples:

I have already eaten, so I won't be joining you for dinner.

Show examples from the web [+]

No, unfortunately I have already eaten.
No, I have already eaten.
I certainly hope you didn't make dinner and I have already eaten.
I have already eaten one with Father.
Gus and I have already eaten.
When you said 11:00, I thought you would have already eaten.
I shouldn't have eaten already.
In my stomach, because I would have eaten me already.
The children have already eaten yours.
The kids have already eaten, and I just felt like having something good.
The dogs have already eaten the cats.
Figure, kids have already eaten.
Tom should have already eaten by now.
Supposed to everything we have already eaten and drunk, was also the best.
I don't know, it looks like you may have already eaten.
We bought the famous jams and we have already eaten half.
Around 6:00. Figure, kids have already eaten.
Hoodia Gordonii is proven to have active molecule p57 that can trick the brain by telling it that you have already eaten to the fullest.
Ray, you have already eaten through all of our savings.
I've already eaten rabbits, they are very tasty.

Alternatives:

I have already had my meal.
I've already eaten.

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