# didn't

CEFR A1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/didnt
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

the short way to say 'did not'. You use it to talk about something that did not happen in the past.

For teachers: the contracted form of 'did not', functioning as a negative auxiliary verb in the past simple tense. Used to negate a main verb or to provide a short negative answer.

## Examples

- I didn't see the movie last night.
- She didn't finish her homework on time because she was feeling unwell.
- While the team didn't achieve their primary objective, the data they gathered during the trial proved invaluable for future research and development.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I didn't went to the store" but "I didn't go to the store" — After the auxiliary 'didn't', the main verb must be in its base form, not the past tense.

## Usage notes

- Followed by the base form of the main verb (infinitive without 'to'). In formal writing, the uncontracted 'did not' is generally preferred.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.