HAS or HAD

Question

Hi AllWhich one of the following would be correct to say:1) He had handled such queries in the past2)He has handled such queries in the pastTo me 2nd sentence seems correct or I'd say plausible coz here I'm not referring to a definite time like last week,year or day.Thanks in advanceRegardsJerry

Joshua Weaver · Accepted Answer

Hi Anon,

Both are actually correct; but, the examples above hold a particular nuance:

1. "He had handled such queries in the past." -- This means that he handled the queries [in the past], but no longer does. Anytime you use "had", you indicate that the action, possession, etc. is no longer in effect. "Had" may be unnecessary in this instance, but when a verb takes on the past participle, e.g., gone or been, it's necessary (as had is past tense of have) (e.g., "He had gone to the store, but he returned.")

2. Has is correct in this instance. And, opposite of the nuance in example no. 1, using has in this instance indicates that he still handles such queries.

Harpreet singh 6477 · Answer

Thanks for the prompt & precise reply.

One more thing I want to ask if someone could help.

I've heard lots of people saying -- Did you do what I ask?

Now the confusion is why don't we use asked here instead of ask as in- Did you hear what I said?

The clauses look very much similar to me.Both are in the past because of DID.

Thanks Again!

HAS or HAD

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