# hadn't

CEFR A2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hadnt
Updated: 2026-05-03

## Definition

the short way to say 'had not'. You use it to talk about something that did not happen before a specific time in the past.

For teachers: The contracted form of 'had not'. Used as an auxiliary verb to form the negative past perfect tense.

## Examples

- I hadn't seen that movie before last night.
- She realized she hadn't locked the front door only after she arrived at the train station.
- The researchers discovered that the participants hadn't been informed of the potential side effects before the clinical trial commenced, leading to a significant ethical review of the study's protocols.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I hadn't went there" but "I hadn't gone there" — After 'hadn't', you must use the past participle (gone) rather than the simple past (went).

## Usage notes

- Functions as an auxiliary verb; typically followed by a past participle to form the past perfect negative.

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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.