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I studied vs I have studied

Both "I studied" and "I have studied" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "I studied" is simple past tense and refers to a specific time in the past when the studying occurred. "I have studied" is present perfect tense and indicates that the action of studying was completed at some point before now.

Last updated: March 19, 2024 • 3154 views

I studied

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to studying that happened at a specific time in the past.

Use "I studied" when you want to talk about a specific instance or period of studying that occurred in the past.

Examples:

  • Yesterday, I studied for my exam for five hours.
  • When I was in college, I studied psychology.
  • Last summer, I studied French in Paris.
  • I studied harder than you could imagine.
  • I studied time dilation and quantum teleportation in college.
  • In the meantime, I studied its language and read its talmon.
  • I studied the names on the list.
  • I studied the semicircular canals in second-year medicine.
  • At Oxford, I studied mostly economics and philosophy.
  • I studied all your achievements at Peacekeeper training.
  • And to say that little English I studied.
  • I studied three weeks for a pap smear.
  • I studied cryptology even before I joined the Bureau.
  • I studied all week for this test.
  • Not bad, I studied law.
  • I studied his file when I was in training.
  • I studied veterinary science for two years.
  • I studied his career in school.
  • I studied one year at International High School in New York.
  • I studied the Ono Ittoryu style under my father.
  • Because I studied the maps when we arrived here.
  • I studied and got a part-time job at the newspaper.
  • I studied philosophy, the history of religion, aesthetics.

Alternatives:

  • I was studying
  • I used to study
  • I had studied
  • I have been studying
  • I had been studying

I have studied

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that the action of studying was completed at some point before now.

Use "I have studied" when you want to convey that you have completed studying a particular subject or topic up to the present moment.

Examples:

  • I have studied Spanish for three years.
  • She has studied the effects of climate change extensively.
  • By the time I graduated, I had studied a wide range of subjects.
  • I am use to say "I have studied", but I one of the tutor said me it is not right. Otherwise an English native speaker that I met at the university said me that ...
  • I finished my studies 6 months ago and I would like to say that I spent 5 years studying business. I would say "I have studied business for 5 ...
  • Re: Q5 - logician: I have studied and thorougly mastered the law. by noah Sun Jul 31, 2011 10:01 pm. Short and sweet explanation above! To round ...
  • I have studied is the present perfect tense of the verb to study. It establishes time, and in the case of present perfect verbs, it means that the action ...
  • Because personal stress can be a barrier to compassion and patience, this lifestyle does foster empathy. Since I have studied at JABSOM, I feel well-trained and ...
  • Hippolyte A. Taine — 'I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats is infinitely superior.'
  • Apr 14, 2013 ... OR I have studied here for more than three years. Depending on where the two friends meet in Canada or in another country, the question can ...
  • Oct 10, 2020 ... What is the difference between I studied and I've studied ? Related questions. What is the difference between I have studied and I have been ...
  • 'I have studied English for several years' is the present perfect tense. 'I have been studying English for several years' is the present perfect continuous.

Alternatives:

  • I have been studying
  • I had studied
  • I had been studying
  • I studied
  • I was studying

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