"I found that I had an interest" vs "I found that I have an interest"

Question

"I found that I had an interest" vs "I found that I have an interest"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'I found that I had an interest' is used when referring to a past discovery, while 'I found that I have an interest' is used when talking about a current realization. The choice between 'had' and 'have' depends on the timing of the interest being discovered.

Last Updated: March 27, 2024

This phrase is used to talk about discovering an interest in the past. 'Had' is used to indicate that the interest was present at that time.

Examples:

When I was in college, I found that I had an interest in psychology.
After reading the book, I found that I had an interest in history.

Alternatives:

I discovered that I had an interest
I realized that I had an interest

This phrase is used to talk about discovering an interest in the present. 'Have' is used to indicate that the interest is currently present.

Examples:

After attending the workshop, I found that I have an interest in photography.
I found that I have an interest in cooking.

Alternatives:

I discovered that I have an interest
I realized that I have an interest

Answer 1

I found that I had an interest

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a past discovery of an interest.

Answer 2

I found that I have an interest

This phrase is correct and commonly used when talking about a current realization of having an interest.

"I found that I had an interest" vs "I found that I have an interest"

I found that I had an interest

I found that I have an interest

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