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I took an exam today. vs I had an exam today.

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I took an exam today' implies that the action of taking the exam happened on that day. 'I had an exam today' suggests that the exam was scheduled or planned for that day, but you may or may not have actually taken the exam. The choice between the two depends on whether you want to emphasize the action of taking the exam or the fact that the exam was on that specific day.
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Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: July 06, 2024

I took an exam today.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate that the action of taking the exam occurred on the same day as the speaker is referring to.

Examples:

  • I took an exam today and it was really challenging.
  • She took an exam today and aced it.
  • They took an exam today and felt relieved afterward.
  • Oct 15, 2014 ... Please try again later. Published on Oct 15, 2014. i took an exam today and i think i did really bad.im really bad at math :(.i just hope i passed.
  • Nov 28, 2012 ... It doesn't display the reason correctly. Just a generic information could not be verified. I took an exam today and still waiting for my results.
  • Sep 30, 2010 ... That's right, I took an exam today after spending the entire day either getting poked, harvested, or on the road. I am an obstinate glutton for ...
  • Nov 16, 2011 ... I took an exam today and though I'm pretty confident that I scored well, I am very tired as a result. Tuesdays and thursdays are full of math ...

Alternatives:

  • I sat for an exam today.
  • I completed an exam today.
  • I did an exam today.
  • I had an exam today.
  • I sat an exam today.

I had an exam today.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate that the exam was scheduled or planned for the same day as the speaker is referring to.

Examples:

  • I had an exam today, but I forgot my calculator.
  • She had an exam today and studied all night for it.
  • They had an exam today and were nervous about it.
  • I had an exam today but have been ill and have now missed the exam – what shall I do? In the first instance you should report the matter to your School.
  • Hey guys, sorry that I didn't upload a reaction video today. I won't upload one because I had an exam today and I have work tomorrow, so I just couldn't get ...
  • ... and am having my protein shake. Thought I'd update you on my meals today! Unfortunately I forgot to take a photo of my brekkie, as I had an exam today
  • "I forgot that I had an exam today. Do you think this is Short Term State-Specific Amnesia?" "I misplace things very easily and quite often. Could this be indicative  ...

Alternatives:

  • I took an exam today.
  • I sat for an exam today.
  • I completed an exam today.
  • I did an exam today.
  • I sat an exam today.

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