I drove the car vs I drive the car

Both sentences are correct, but 'I drove the car' is in the past tense, indicating that the action of driving the car has already happened, while 'I drive the car' is in the present tense, indicating that the action of driving the car is currently happening or is a habitual action.

Explained by Michele A.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: September 13, 2024

I drove the car

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that the action of driving the car has already happened.

This phrase is used when referring to a past action of driving the car. It is in the simple past tense.

Examples:

Yesterday, I drove the car to work.
She drove the car to the store last week.

Alternatives:

I have driven the car
I had driven the car
I was driving the car
I used to drive the car
I had been driving the car

I drive the car

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that the action of driving the car is currently happening or is a habitual action.

This phrase is used when referring to a present action of driving the car or when describing a habitual action. It is in the simple present tense.

Examples:

Every morning, I drive the car to school.
I drive the car because I enjoy it.

Alternatives:

I am driving the car
I will drive the car
I can drive the car
I usually drive the car
I often drive the car

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I drove the car vs I drive the car

I drove the car

I drive the car

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