I had invented

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I had invented" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that an invention occurred before a certain point in the past, often in a narrative or storytelling context. Example: "By the time the world recognized my work, I had invented a new method for sustainable energy production."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

And no wonder, I had invented nudity.

Independent

I wish I had invented it myself".

The New Yorker

"I wish I had invented it".

The New York Times - Science

"That's why," he said, "I felt I had invented photography".

The New York Times - Arts

Evidently, I had invented a mash-up of the two.

The New York Times - Food

At least, I thought I had invented her name.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Realizing the limitations of these tales, Crane wrote: "I have invented the sum of my invention with regard to war and this story keeps me in internal despair".

Wikipedia

I have invented nothing".

The New Yorker

Ghosts of people I have invented?

The New Yorker

"I have invented nothing," he said.

The New York Times - Food

In other words, could I have invented the Apple computer?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I had invented" to clearly establish that the act of inventing occurred before a specific point in the narrative or discussion. This is especially useful when providing context or explaining subsequent events influenced by the invention.

Common error

Avoid using "I had invented" when simply describing a past invention without establishing a prior event or time reference. The past perfect tense implies a sequence of events where the invention precedes another action or state. If there isn't a second event in the past that comes after the inventing, use simple past: "I invented".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I had invented" functions as a statement in the past perfect tense, indicating that the act of inventing something was completed before another point in the past. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use in narratives and explanations where the timing of the invention is crucial.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Books

20%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I had invented" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that places an invention in the past, relative to another point in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. The phrase functions to provide context, indicating that the act of inventing occurred prior to another event. As analyzed, this phrase appears frequently in news, books, and academic sources. When using "I had invented", ensure the past perfect tense is appropriate by establishing a clear sequence of events. Alternatives such as ""I had created"" or ""I had developed"" can be used to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I had created

Replaces "invented" with a more general term for making something new.

I had developed

Suggests a process of gradual improvement and innovation.

I had conceived

Emphasizes the initial mental formulation of an idea.

I had originated

Highlights the act of being the first to create something.

I had pioneered

Implies leading the way in a new area or field.

I had designed

Focuses on the planning and structural aspects of creation.

I had formulated

Highlights a structured and systematic approach to creation.

I was the first to invent

Expresses the act of inventing something before anyone else

I had brought into being

A more formal way of saying "I had created."

I had crafted

Suggests skillful creation, often with an artistic or practical element.

FAQs

How do I use "I had invented" in a sentence?

Use "I had invented" to describe an invention completed before another event in the past. For example, "By the time the patent was approved, I had invented three other prototypes."

What are some alternatives to "I had invented"?

Alternatives include "I had created", "I had developed", or "I had conceived", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I invented" instead of "I had invented"?

Yes, "I invented" is correct when describing a past invention without reference to another past event. "I had invented" is used to show that the invention happened before something else.

What's the difference between "I had invented" and "I was inventing"?

"I had invented" indicates a completed action in the past, before another event. "I was inventing" suggests an ongoing process in the past. For example, "I had invented the device before the deadline" versus "I was inventing the device last summer."