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I hadn't vs I didn't have

Both "I hadn't" and "I didn't have" are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. "I hadn't" is the contraction of "I had not" and is used to talk about something that was not done in the past. On the other hand, "I didn't have" is the contraction of "I did not have" and is used to talk about the absence of possession or the lack of something in the past.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 1536 views

I hadn't

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It is the contraction of "I had not" and is used to talk about something that was not done in the past.

Use "I hadn't" when you want to express that something was not done in the past. For example, "I hadn't seen that movie before last night."

Examples:

  • I hadn't eaten sushi until I went to Japan.
  • I hadn't finished my homework when the teacher collected it.
  • I hadn't heard that song until it played on the radio.
  • I hadn't been to Europe before my trip last summer.
  • I hadn't realized how late it was until I looked at the clock.
  • I hadn't thought of looking there. Thanks.
  • I hadn't turned on the news yet.
  • If I hadn't purposely let you escape.
  • So if I hadn't come out on the balcony...
  • Only, I hadn't realized peace depended on killing babies.
  • I hadn't revealed anything to George, really.
  • I hadn't realized you and Blair had returned from Europe already.
  • I hadn't checked it until today.
  • I hadn't nailed down my system yet.
  • I hadn't realized quite how traumatic it must have been, losing your patient.
  • I was really - because I hadn't eaten much.
  • I hadn't done anything interesting, much less wrong.
  • I hadn't anticipated it would be such a distraction.
  • I hadn't anticipated any kind of resistance.
  • But I hadn't satisfied the real obsession.
  • I hadn't planned on having someone in my life.
  • I hadn't planned on having a wife.
  • If I hadn't sent that bank transfer...
  • Her success illuminated everything I hadn't yet accomplished.
  • I hadn't realized elections were nearing.

Alternatives:

  • I had not
  • I had not done
  • I had not seen

I didn't have

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It is the contraction of "I did not have" and is used to talk about the absence of possession or the lack of something in the past.

Use "I didn't have" when you want to express that you did not possess something in the past. For example, "I didn't have any money to buy lunch."

Examples:

  • I didn't have time to finish the project.
  • I didn't have a car until last year.
  • I didn't have any siblings growing up.
  • I didn't have the chance to say goodbye.
  • I didn't have the answer to that question.
  • I didn't have an answer for you.
  • I didn't have anything else sanitary.
  • And I didn't have a panic attack.
  • I... I didn't have a choice.
  • I realized I didn't have the vocation.
  • But I didn't have the sense to be sensible.
  • I didn't have the sense to say yes.
  • I didn't have time for music before the war.
  • I didn't have the nerve to look outside.
  • I didn't have much money for research.
  • I didn't have belief in myself.
  • I didn't have time to shower.
  • I wanted to be this character... and I didn't have much introspection.
  • I didn't have enough breath to chase the clouds away.
  • Once I entered the courtroom, I didn't have any chance.
  • I didn't have money enough to go any further.
  • I didn't have keys to lock the door.
  • I didn't have any friends in high school.
  • I didn't have the guts to tell you.
  • I didn't have time to ask.

Alternatives:

  • I did not have
  • I was without
  • I lacked

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