I haven't bought vs I didn't buy

Both "I haven't bought" and "I didn't buy" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "I haven't bought" is used when referring to an action that started in the past and continues up to the present, emphasizing the present result. On the other hand, "I didn't buy" is used to talk about a specific action that happened and was completed in the past.

Last updated: April 05, 2024 • 2006 views

I haven't bought

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Use "I haven't bought" when you want to emphasize that an action started in the past and continues up to the present, focusing on the present result.

Examples:

I haven't bought a new car yet.
She hasn't bought any groceries this week.
They haven't bought the tickets for the concert.
He hasn't bought a gift for his mother's birthday.
We haven't bought a house in this neighborhood.

Alternatives:

I have not bought
I still haven't bought
I haven't made a purchase
I haven't acquired
I haven't gotten

I didn't buy

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Use "I didn't buy" when you want to talk about a specific action that happened and was completed in the past.

Examples:

I didn't buy the book yesterday.
She didn't buy any clothes at the store.
They didn't buy the new phone.
He didn't buy the tickets for the show.
We didn't buy anything at the market.

Show examples from the web [+]

I didn't buy that plane ticket.
I didn't buy the house for you.
I didn't buy this to get a date.
I didn't buy it for Miguel.
I didn't buy her anything.
No, I didn't buy you a belt.
I didn't buy anything from your insane brother.
I didn't buy anybody slippers.
I didn't buy that present.
I didn't buy this house for everyone.
I didn't buy tickets to Disneyland for no alibi.
Shopping... you'll be pleased to know that I didn't buy anything...
Sorry I didn't buy more but this was our first stop.
This one will have to do; I didn't buy them.
I didn't buy the balloons to have you guys...
See, I didn't buy it.
I didn't buy Anita to replace you,
I didn't buy this job at Macy's. You gave it to me.
Okay, fine, he was here this morning, but I didn't buy anything.
I didn't buy many albums after the year 2000... The last question is about your future plans.

Alternatives:

I did not buy
I failed to buy
I refrained from buying
I chose not to buy
I neglected to buy

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