Did/have

Question

Imagine that I was working on something with someone. During our working I went somewhere but 3 hours later I came back.Did you finish it?Have you finish it?Which one is better?

Avangi · Accepted Answer

I have no preference. "Did" is a little more casual.
If I'm speaking to my college professor, and I want to make a good impression, I'd ask, "Have you finished grading my term paper?"
"Did you finish" could be considered disrespectful in some cases.

whatchadoinDid you finish it?Have you finished it?

EDIT. Sorry, I didn't notice that you left the "ed" off.

Whatchadoin · Answer

We can't use 'did' with 'ever', can we?

Have you ever tried this?
Did you try this?

Imagine that someone told me that they intended to do something in the past and a couple of days later I ask:

Did you do it?
Have you done it?

Are both OK?

BTW, are 'did' and 'have' always interchangeable when asking questions?

Avangi · Answer

whatchadoinWe can't use 'did' with 'ever', can we?

We can.

whatchadoinDid you do it?Have you done it?Are both OK?

They are.

whatchadoinBTW, are 'did' and 'have' always interchangeable when asking questions?

Probably not.

Note that the grammar/syntax is different!
"Have you done it?" is present perfect tense. "Did you do it?" is simple past tense.
Compare the statements: I have done it. vs I did it.
The perfect tense requires the auxiliary verb "to have" in all cases, whether it's a question or a statement.
The simple past tense requires the auxiliary verb "to do" only in questions and negative statements.

(Do support can optionally be used in a positive statement for emphasis. I do love you.)

Whatchadoin · Answer

OK. But, is the meaning different when I ask someone "Did you do it?" and "Have you done it?" or "Have you ever done this before?" and "Did you do this before?"?

Whatchadoin · Answer

AvangiIf I'm speaking to my college professor, and I want to make a good impression, I'd ask, "Have you finished grading my term paper?"

Are both 'did' and 'have' used in everyday speech in such cases?

Avangi · Answer

<< OK. But, is the meaning different when I ask someone "Did you do it?" and "Have you done it?" or "Have you ever done this before?" and "Did you do this before?"? >>

It can be.
"Did you do it?" usually refers to a single specific deed. Did you break that window?

"Did you ever do it?" usually refers to some previously mentioned generic action. Did you ever schuss the headwall at Tuckerman's Ravine? .You may have done it once or several times. Did you ever eat sushi?

"Have you done it?" can ask if you're the guilty party, but it's unusual. "Did you do it" is much more common. Have you locked me out of your computer? .

"Have you done it?" and "Have you ever done it?" can both be used to inquire about your previous experience. Context should tell what meaning is intended. Have you [ever] been scuba diving?

Whatchadoin · Answer

I think I know how I'll keep on using them even though I don't fully understand them. This is really difficult!

CalifJim · Answer

whatchadoinI'll keep on using them even though I don't fully understand them.

Good decision!

CJ

Did/have

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