Has Completed vs. Had Completed: Easy Grammar Rules (2024)

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When to Use "Has Completed" When to Use "Had Completed" When to Use "Have Completed" Expert Q&A Tips You Might Also Like References About This Article Did this article help you?
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Co-authored byTristen Bonacciand Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: September 17, 2023Fact Checked

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The English language is full of grammar rules that can take a little practice to learn. Take “has completed” or “had completed”—they’re very similar, but used in specific cases. We’ll guide you through when to use “has completed,” or “had completed.” We’ll also explain when “have completed” is the best choice.

  1. Use "has completed" for a singular subject in the present tense. A present perfect tense sentence implies that an action that was started earlier is now finished. You'll want to use "has completed" if your subject is singular, so long as the subject isn't "I" or "you."[1] If your subject is plural, you'll use "had completed" or "have completed." Here are some examples of when to use "has completed":

    • She has completed the marathon.
    • The computer has completed running its diagnostics.
    • He has completed filling out the forms.

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Section 2 of 3:

When to Use "Had Completed"

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  1. Choose "had completed" for a past tense sentence with singular or plural subjects. If the subject or subjects of your sentence completed the action in the past before doing another action, use "had completed."[2] You should also use "had completed" if you're being specific about when something was completed. Here are some examples:

    • I had completed my work when my friends showed up.
    • They had completed their task before starting their next challenge.
    • We had completed our homework, but we forgot it at home.

Section 3 of 3:

When to Use "Have Completed"

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  1. 1

    Use "have completed" for a present perfect tense sentence with the subject "I" or "you". A present perfect tense sentence describes completed actions.[3] Think of the tense as a link between the present and the past—this tense is like announcing that you've just completed something. The sentence might not describe when you began the action, but "have completed" shows that you've finished it in the present. Here are a few examples:

    • I have completed outlining my essay.
    • You have completed listening to the podcast.
    • I have completed my training.

  2. 2

    Choose "have completed" if the subject of the present perfect sentence is plural. If you're still describing a situation that's happening in the present, but your subject is plural—like "the kids", "we", or "they"—use "have completed."[4] Check out these examples:

    • They have completed their project.
    • We have completed our assignment.
    • The kids have completed their homework.

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      About This Article

      Has Completed vs. Had Completed: Easy Grammar Rules (24)

      Co-authored by:

      Tristen Bonacci

      Licensed English Teacher

      This article was co-authored by Tristen Bonacci and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Tristen Bonacci is a Licensed English Teacher with more than 20 years of experience. Tristen has taught in both the United States and overseas. She specializes in teaching in a secondary education environment and sharing wisdom with others, no matter the environment. Tristen holds a BA in English Literature from The University of Colorado and an MEd from The University of Phoenix. This article has been viewed 48,490 times.

      8 votes - 100%

      Co-authors: 5

      Updated: September 17, 2023

      Views:48,490

      Categories: English Grammar | Studying Literature

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