"I have fed the dogs" vs "I had fed the dogs"

Question

"I have fed the dogs" vs "I had fed the dogs"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I had fed the dogs' is in the past perfect tense, indicating an action that was completed before a certain point in the past. 'I have fed the dogs' is in the present perfect tense, indicating an action that was completed recently or has relevance to the present.

Last Updated: March 23, 2024

This phrase is used when you want to talk about an action that was completed in the past but has a connection to the present moment.

Examples:

I have fed the dogs, so they should be fine for a few hours.
She has fed the dogs before going out.
Have you fed the dogs yet?

Alternatives:

I fed the dogs
I already fed the dogs
I've finished feeding the dogs
I fed the dogs earlier

This phrase is used when you want to talk about an action that was completed before another past action or event.

Examples:

I had fed the dogs before I left for work.
By the time I arrived, she had fed the dogs.
He had fed the dogs when the guests arrived.

Alternatives:

I fed the dogs
I had already fed the dogs
I had finished feeding the dogs
I had fed the dogs earlier

Answer 1

I have fed the dogs

This phrase is correct and is used in the present perfect tense to indicate an action that was completed recently or has relevance to the present.

Answer 2

I had fed the dogs

This phrase is correct and is used in the past perfect tense to indicate an action that was completed before a certain point in the past.

"I have fed the dogs" vs "I had fed the dogs"

I have fed the dogs

I had fed the dogs

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