"I used" vs "I have used"

Question

"I used" vs "I have used"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "I have used" is in the present perfect tense, indicating an action that started in the past and has relevance to the present. "I used" is in the simple past tense, indicating an action that occurred and was completed in the past.

Last Updated: March 17, 2024

Use "I used" in the simple past tense to indicate an action that occurred and was completed in the past.

Examples:

I used to play the piano when I was younger.
She used the last of the flour for baking.
Did you use my phone yesterday?
They used to live in that house.
He used all his money to start the business.

Alternatives:

I employed
I utilized
I applied
I made use of
I took advantage of

Use "I have used" in the present perfect tense to indicate an action that started in the past and has relevance to the present.

Examples:

I have used this software before.
She has used up all the paper.
Have you used this pen?
They have used this method for years.
He has used his savings to buy a new car.

Alternatives:

I have utilized
I have employed
I have applied
I have made use of
I have taken advantage of

Answer 1

I used

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in the simple past tense.

Answer 2

I have used

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in the present perfect tense.

"I used" vs "I have used"

I used

I have used

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