I encountered vs I have encountered

Both "I encountered" and "I have encountered" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "I encountered" is used to describe a past event without specifying when it happened, while "I have encountered" is used to indicate an experience that happened at an unspecified time in the past and has relevance to the present.

Last updated: April 08, 2024 • 1512 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe a past event without specifying when it happened.

"I encountered"

Use "I encountered" to talk about a past event that happened at an unspecified time. It is a simple past tense construction.

Examples:

I encountered a strange man on my way home.
She encountered many difficulties during her journey.
He encountered a problem with the computer program.

Show examples from the web [+]

I encountered him in the Terlina system.
I encountered His Lordship and begged him to help.
However, recently I encountered an uneven situation after upgrading the Outlook version.
Among workers, I encountered a growing mistrust of the European institutions.
I'd kill everyone I encountered until I was sated.
But even though I encountered so many obstacles, I never threw in the towel.
I encountered a squadron of rebels.
I encountered many a vile creature on my voyages.
Several years ago, I encountered some young Americans who did not believe in the possibility of forgiveness.
This is the Padawan I encountered on Stygeon Prime.
I encountered music at an early age in an informal way.
At times I encountered tensions and hostility that sprung up.
Everything seemed to function quickly and I encountered no hangs or glitches.
Your Majesty, on my way back, I encountered Miss Yurao with the maids and eunuchs, looking for Noble Consort Xi.
So this is the only club near where I encountered the baby's motlher.
The guy I encountered while I was pursuing Lee Kyung Wan knows Na Na and even where she lives too.
My third trip to the interior where I encountered one of the most fiendish wesen known on the dark continent.
Cyprus l learned nothing from the stock market disaster pa 90s, I encountered while staying there.
But never in my life have I encountered insects as unique to a locale as there.
Hexxeh's vanilla build worked mostly as expected on my HP netbook, but I encountered several minor hardware problems.

Alternatives:

I came across
I met
I faced
I experienced
I stumbled upon

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate an experience that happened at an unspecified time in the past and has relevance to the present.

"I have encountered"

Use "I have encountered" to talk about an experience that happened in the past and has some connection to the present. It is a present perfect tense construction.

Examples:

I have encountered this issue before.
She has encountered similar problems in the past.
He has encountered many challenges in his career.

Show examples from the web [+]

With your permission, my master... I have encountered a vergence in the Force.
I have encountered many dark beings in my time, Dipper.
They are the most unusual humans I have encountered.
So far this is one of most musical digital sources I have encountered.
Fortunately, the software that I have encountered provides the option of turning off wi-fi, and networking, or not.
Ladies and gentlemen, I have encountered a difficulty.
I have encountered the Father and I am happy about it.
I have encountered Keillor himself at community events and have spoken with him on several occasions.
Over the years, I have encountered innumerable civilisations, but never one as benevolent as the Monks.
I have encountered folks who have complained to me about their numerous (dog) behavior problems.
The most successful people I have encountered in this time are moved by an expansive vision.
I have encountered the numeral three many times in the last two hours.
For instance, I have encountered many asylum seekers in Belgium, but none of them really met the relevant conditions.
Having ridden MTB for almost twenty-five years, I can count on one hand the number of times I have encountered reptiles or amphibians on a trail.
Of all the souls I have encountered in my travels, his was the most...
Karajan called Tomowa-Sintow "the greatest talent I have encountered over the past years."
Tim White's response has always been remarkably fast and he has been very efficient in solving any issues that I have encountered.
I have encountered Theo Pemberton several times, and each could be described as "harrowing."
I have pillaged the galaxy many times over and made slaves of all the mortals I have encountered.
As a nanny, I have encountered a variety of children and family situations which has shaped me into a flexible and quick-thinking My experience and personal skills make me a reliable candidate who will effectively help run your household.

Alternatives:

I have come across
I have met
I have faced
I have experienced
I have stumbled upon

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I encountered vs I have encountered

"I encountered"

"I have encountered"

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