“I’ve Added” vs. “I Added” – Difference Explained (With Examples)

The two phrases “I’ve added” and “I added” appear and sound incredibly similar. However, this does often pose the question – if they sound and look similar, does that mean they have the same definition? This article will look at answering all questions surrounding these two particular phrases.

What Is The Difference Between “I’ve Added” And “I Added”?

The main difference between “I’ve added” and “I added”, is that “I’ve added” is present perfect, while “I added” is past tense. Present perfect is a grammatical combination of present tense and the perfect aspect, used to express a past event with present consequences or relevance.

i've added vs i added

For example, we can say “I’ve eaten”, to state that we have eaten in the past, which has led us to not be hungry in the present.

On the other hand, we consider past tense to be a grammatical tense that places a situation or action in the past of the current moment. For example, we can say “I ate”, which means that we completed eating our meal previously.

What Does “I’ve Added” Mean?

The phrase “I’ve added” means that we have added something, to something else. We would use the abbreviation “I’ve” next to “added” when we are considering its present relevance of a situation. For example, when we consider the effect of what we have added has on the total outcome.

Examples Of How To Use “I’ve Added” In A Sentence

We will now look over the following examples that use the phrase “I’ve added” in a sentence:

  • I’ve added him as a friend on Facebook, so we will see if he feels like responding to me.
  • I’ve added the appropriate amount of yeast to the flour mixture and now I just need to mix in warm water so it will rise.
  • I’ve added Mandy into our group chat discussion, so she is also up to date on our project information.
  • I’ve added a new list of projects for the team to complete before the end of the next quarter.
  • I’ve added the cleaner into the washrooms, so please keep the children and pets away.
  • I’ve added cream and sugar into this coffee, just as you requested.
  • I’ve added a new section of items to our baby registry that I hope guests will notice.
  • I’ve added the updated information into the company’s software system, so you should notice improvements by tomorrow morning.

What Does “I Added” Mean?

We can use the phrase “I added”, when we wish to express that we have previously added something, to something else. If we are attempting to convey or regard the event as being completed in the past, then we will use this past tense phrase to accurately do so.

Examples Of How To Use “I Added” In A Sentence

We will now go over the following examples that highlight the use of the phrase “I added” in a sentence:

  • I added something to my list yesterday, but unfortunately, I’ve entirely misplaced it and cannot remember.
  • I added flashing lights and strobes to my room to go alongside my sound system.
  • I added a personal testimony to the case, as I want to ensure that he is locked away for the rest of his life.
  • I added a recipe to our classroom’s family cookbook that is going to be published.
  • I added grape and strawberry juices to my homemade sweet, dry wines.
  • I added a little something extra in there for you, as a congratulation for all of your hard work and dedication.
  • I added a mild stimulant to prolong your wake time so that we are able to complete the sleep study accurately.
  • I added a little bit of lemon juice and zest for an extra tangy touch.

Is “I’ve Added” Or “I Added” Used Most?

As we can see by the data provided by Google Ngram Viewer, the use of phrases “I’ve added” and “I added” were used extremely consistently from the 1800s – to the mid-1980s. After this period of time, the use of “I’ve added” began to steadily increase.

i've added vs i added historical development

In the present day, the use of the phrase “I’ve added” is astoundingly more popular or used than that of “I added”. In fact, the use of “I’ve added” has almost caused the use of “I added” to become obsolete or unheard of.

When Should I Use “Have Been Added”?

We generally use the phrase “have been added” when we wish to reassure someone that a task has been completed or that something has been added effectively. This is usually something that we have done recently and are merely confirming this with someone else.

Also, we would use “have been added” when our past actions of adding something, have consequences in or affect the present. We can look over the following examples, that help highlight how we can use this specific phrase:

  • The chocolate chips have been added to the banana bread mixture.
  • The new lessons have just been added to this year’s curriculum.
  • The two study groups have been added into a chat room, so that they may accurately discuss the projects.
  • They have been added to the roster and will be playing for our team this season.
  • I have been added to the Board of Directors, which is a huge honour.

Quiz: Have You Mastered “I’ve Added” And “I Added”?

We will now go over the following quiz, to test the knowledge that you have gained from reading over this article. The answers to the quiz will be listed in the next section, below the questions:

  1. (A. I’ve/B. I) added the chocolate chips into the banana bread mixture.
  2. (A. I’ve/B. I) added him as a friend on Facebook nearly two weeks ago and he hasn’t responded.
  3. (A. I’ve/B. I) added an updated list of projects to be completed on the staff room bulletin board.
  4. (A. I’ve/B. I) added the appropriate amount of yeast, so I don’t know why you’re blaming me for how the bread turned out.
  5. (A. I’ve/B. I) added a new skincare routine to my mornings and I’m seeing major improvements by the day.
  6. (A. I’ve/B. I) added cream and sugar into your coffee, just as you’ve requested.
  7. (A. I’ve/ B. I) added her into our chat group just now – I hope you don’t mind.
  8. (A. I’ve/ B. I) added cinnamon into this batch of cookies, as so many people, suggested last time.

Quiz Answers

  1. A.
  2. B.
  3. A.
  4. B.
  5. B.
  6. A.
  7. A.
  8. B.