"i had not a book" vs "i had not had a book"

Question

"i had not a book" vs "i had not had a book"

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I had not had a book' is the more common and natural way to express the idea that at a specific point in the past, you did not possess a book. 'I had not a book' is less common and may sound a bit old-fashioned or formal.

Last Updated: March 17, 2024

This phrase is also used to indicate the absence of a book in the past, but it may sound more formal or old-fashioned.

Alternatives:

I did not have a book
I had no book
I had not owned a book
I had not possessed a book
I had not acquired a book

This phrase is used to indicate that at a specific point in the past, you did not possess a book.

Examples:

I had not had a book to read during my vacation.
She realized she had not had a book to study for the exam.
He said he had not had a book to give to his friend.
They had not had a book to share with the class.
The library had closed, and I had not had a book to read at home.

Alternatives:

I did not have a book
I had no book
I had not owned a book
I had not possessed a book
I had not acquired a book

Answer 1

i had not a book

This phrase is correct but less common in modern English.

Answer 2

i had not had a book

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"i had not a book" vs "i had not had a book"

i had not a book

i had not had a book

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