had an operation

USAGE SUMMARY

"had an operation" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to describe a past event where someone underwent a surgical procedure. Example: "Last year, she had an operation to remove her appendix."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Yesterday she had an operation.

The Guardian

I had an operation an hour later.

The Guardian

(Maine had an operation on that shoulder in 2008).

The New York Times - Sports

She'd had an operation to eliminate her ability to blush?

The New Yorker

He had an operation for colon cancer last summer.

Independent

I had, I told the audience, recently had an operation.

Independent

Then he had an operation on his torn right meniscus.

The New York Times - Sports

He then had an operation in the off-season.

The New York Times - Sports

I had an operation, but it was not successful.

The Guardian

I had an operation at Lwala hospital, in Kaberamaido district.

The Guardian

Joe DiMaggio had an operation to remove the bone spur.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had an operation", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the surgery, if relevant. Providing additional details can enhance clarity and informativeness.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect tenses. "Have an operation" refers to a future or habitual action, while "had an operation" clearly indicates a past event. Using the wrong tense can confuse the timeline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had an operation" functions as a past tense verb phrase, indicating that someone underwent a surgical procedure at some point in the past. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "had an operation" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a past surgical procedure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, and can be used to report or explain a medical event. While alternatives exist, the phrase is widely understood and accepted, making it a reliable choice for clear communication. When using the phrase, ensure correct tense usage and consider providing context for clarity. The authoritative sources in Ludwig's examples further validate its frequent use in reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Underwent surgery

Focuses on the surgical aspect of the procedure, using a more formal term.

Had a surgical procedure

Replaces "operation" with the more formal "surgical procedure".

Was operated on

Uses a passive construction to describe the experience of undergoing surgery.

Received surgical treatment

Highlights the treatment aspect of the operation.

Went through an operation

Emphasizes the experience of the operation as a process.

Went under the knife

An idiomatic expression implying surgery, adding a sense of risk.

Had a medical intervention

A more general term that encompasses various medical procedures, not just surgeries.

Had a corrective procedure

Implies the operation was to fix a problem.

Had a transplant

Specifies the operation as involving the replacement of an organ or tissue.

Had a resection

Refers to the surgical removal of part of an organ or structure.

FAQs

How can I use "had an operation" in a sentence?

You can use "had an operation" to describe a past surgical procedure. For example, "She "had an operation" to remove her appendix last year".

What are some alternatives to "had an operation"?

Alternatives include "underwent surgery", "was operated on", or "had a surgical procedure". The choice depends on the level of formality and the specific context.

Is it correct to say "have an operation" instead of "had an operation"?

"Have an operation" implies a future or planned event, while "had an operation" refers to a past event. Use "had" when describing a surgery that has already occurred.

What is the difference between "had an operation" and "went through surgery"?

"Had an operation" is a direct statement about undergoing a surgical procedure. "Went through surgery" emphasizes the experience and process of undergoing surgery, often implying a more difficult or significant event.