Grammar Point
expressions (phrases, clauses, etc.)
exp 
Godan verb with 'ru' ending (irregular verb)
v5r-i 
word usually written using kana alone
uk 
~たことがある

(for something) to have occurred, to have done (something)

after the past tense form of a verb

Verb past informal + ことがある

This grammar point is used to express that someone has had a specific experience in the past. It focuses on the fact that an event happened at least once in the person's life or history.

Verb past informal

The verb must be in its informal past tense (た form) followed by ことがある to indicate that the experience exists.

I have climbed a mountain.

I have eaten sushi before.

I have never seen that movie.

Note

To say you have never done something, use the negative form ことがない. This structure is only used with the past tense form of the verb to indicate a life experience; using the present tense form would change the meaning to 'sometimes I do something'.

Words: 
事があることがある
Radicals of radicals