Using did vs have

[Unregistered]

Hi,

I always asking myself when I should use didn't vs haven't. Example:

Should I say " I haven't found it yet" or "I didn't find it yet". Which one is correct.

Thank you for your help

Denis Sicard

[wise owl]

Hi,

I always asking myself when I should use didn't vs haven't. Example:

Should I say " I haven't found it yet" or "I didn't find it yet". Which one is correct.

Thank you for your help

Denis Sicard

Basically, there are words in the sentence that help you decide which tense to choose (Past Simple, Present Simple, Past Perfect, Present Perfect etc)

"yet" - is a time expression of Present Perfect. It means that the action has started but isn't over yet, it is still going on.

In order to understand when to use "did" and when to use "have" you must understand the basic difference between Past Simple and Present Perfect.

We use Past Simple when something happened in the past and it is over, it has no affect on the present situation. (Time expressions of Past Simple are: last week, three months ago, a minute ago and alike)

For example: He broke his leg yesterday -
He broke his leg in the past, but now his leg isn't broken anymore.

We use Present Perfect when an action is incomplete - it happened in the past but it is still going on, it is not over yet, it has an affect on the present situation.

For example: He has broken his leg some time ago-
He broke his leg and it is still in a broken condition by the time this sentence is said.

Another example: "I have never seen this movie before"
The action happened or didn't happen in the past and it is still continuing in the present.

Generally speaking, words like "before, yet, never, ever" usually (not always!) require the use of Present Perfect.

As for your example: The correct sentence would be "I haven't found it yet" because "yet" is a time expression used in Present Perfect and it means that the action that had started in the past is not over yet.

[Daruma]

wise owl,

Your explanation is impressive.

In American English, the word "yet" can be used in the past tense, can't it?

yet
adv.
1 used in negative sentences and questions to talk about sth that has not happened but that you expect to happen: (BrE) I haven’t received a letter from him yet. (NAmE) I didn’t receive a letter from him yet. ‘Are you ready?’ ‘No, not yet.’ We have yet to decide what action to take (= We have not decided what action to take).

[Raymott]

Hi,

I always asking myself when I should use didn't vs haven't. Example:

Should I say " I haven't found it yet" or "I didn't find it yet". Which one is correct.

Thank you for your help

Denis Sicard

I'd advise you to use "I haven't found it yet".
You might hear Americans say the second version, because they tend to use the simple past for the present perfect, at least in positive sentences such as:
"Did you have breakfast yet?" for "Have you had breakfast yet?"
I'd assume that the correct negative for the first is:
"No, I didn't have breakfast yet" (AmE) - as in Daruma's examples.

[2006]

[quote=Daruma;484576]

In American English, the word "yet" can be used in the past tense, can't it?
Of course it can! Ignore what wise owl said.

[bhaisahab]

[quote=2006;484894]

In American English, the word "yet" can be used in the past tense, can't it?
Of course it can! Ignore what wise owl said.

But not in British English.

[Offroad]

[quote=bhaisahab;484896]

But not in British English.

Modern British English is heavily influenced by American English, so some contrasts are disappearing!

[Raymott]

[quote=marciobarbalho;484916]

Modern British English is heavily influenced by American English, so some contrasts are disappearing!

This one isn't, and long may it not!

[bhaisahab]

[quote=marciobarbalho;484916]

Modern British English is heavily influenced by American English, so some contrasts are disappearing!

I would strongly dispute "heavily influenced"; where do you get your data?

[Offroad]

[quote=bhaisahab;485020]

I would strongly dispute "heavily influenced"; where do you get your data?

Practical English Usage. Mr Swan.