Word
had
Phoneticshad
US/ˈhæd/
UK/hˈæd/
Definition
v. the past form of 'have'. You use it to talk about things you owned or experienced in the past.
v. the past tense and past participle of 'have'. Used to indicate possession, experience, or the completion of an action in the past.
Examples
“I had a big breakfast this morning.”
“She had a difficult time finishing the report because the office was so noisy.”
“By the time the rescue team arrived, the hikers had already found a small cave to shelter from the storm.”
Examples
simple
“I had a big breakfast this morning.”
contextual
“She had a difficult time finishing the report because the office was so noisy.”
complex
“By the time the rescue team arrived, the hikers had already found a small cave to shelter from the storm.”
Usage
Functions as both a main verb for possession and an auxiliary verb for forming the past perfect tense.
Pitfall
I had went to the store.
I had gone to the store.
When used as an auxiliary verb in the past perfect, it must be followed by the past participle, not the simple past form.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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QR code
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