"What did you do to" vs "what have you done to"

Question

"What did you do to" vs "what have you done to"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "What did you do to" is used when asking about a specific action in the past, while "What have you done to" is used when asking about a recent action that has an impact on the present.

Last Updated: March 31, 2024

This phrase is used when asking someone about a particular action they performed in the past. It is often followed by a specific object or situation.

Examples:

What did you do to fix the problem?
What did you do to help him?
What did you do to make her upset?

Alternatives:

What action did you take to
What did you do in order to
What steps did you take to

This phrase is used when asking someone about a recent action they have taken that has consequences or implications in the present. It is often followed by a specific object or situation.

Examples:

What have you done to upset her?
What have you done to improve the situation?
What have you done to fix the issue?

Alternatives:

What actions have you taken to
What have you been doing to
What have you accomplished to

Answer 1

What did you do to

This phrase is correct and commonly used when asking about a specific action in the past.

Answer 2

what have you done to

This phrase is correct and commonly used when asking about a recent action that has an impact on the present.

"What did you do to" vs "what have you done to"

What did you do to

what have you done to

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