I have had a good time vs I HAD a good time

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I have had a good time' is used when you want to emphasize that the experience of having a good time is connected to the present moment or recent past. 'I had a good time' is used when you are simply stating that you enjoyed yourself in the past.

Last updated: April 03, 2024 • 309 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to emphasize a good time experience connected to the present or recent past.

"I have had a good time "

This phrase is used when you want to express that you have recently enjoyed yourself or are still enjoying yourself. It emphasizes the connection of the experience to the present moment.

Examples:

I have had a good time at the party tonight.
She has had a good time traveling around Europe.
We have had a good time exploring the city.
They have had a good time at the beach this weekend.
He has had a good time learning to play the guitar.

Show examples from the web [+]

I have had a good time
Sheriff Aguirre and I have had a conversation.
Listen, I have had a long and trying day.
Whenever I have had a really tough decision to make...
Clearly I have had a very serious accident.
Marian and I have had a disagreement, that is all.
Conor and I have had a relationship.
I have had a super-busy week.
I'm saying it precisely because I have had a bad day.
Friedrich and I have had a difference of opinion.
It appears that I have had a relapse.
My son and I have had a talk.
And I have had a very long day, so good night.
I have had a life before you.
But I have had a very long day.
Anyways, I have had a good encounter with prosolution pills.
! I have had a spontaneous idea...
From the Netherlands, Renate Leijten I have had a great month.
But I have had a change of heart about our strategy.
With the metabones adapter and Canon lenses instead I have had a lot more problems.
I have had a change of heart.

Alternatives:

I am having a good time
I have been having a good time
I have enjoyed myself
I am enjoying myself
I have been enjoying myself

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express that you enjoyed yourself in the past.

"I HAD a good time"

This phrase is used to simply state that you had a good time in the past without emphasizing the connection to the present moment.

Examples:

I had a good time at the concert last night.
She had a good time at the amusement park.
We had a good time at the wedding.
They had a good time on their vacation.
He had a good time at the game.

Alternatives:

I enjoyed myself
I had fun
I had a blast
I had a great time
I had a wonderful time

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