What is the difference between "I had a cold" and "I caught a cold"? 2024.2.18 Last updated : 2024.2.18 weknow by Interstate "I had a cold" is past tense. The cold is over. "I caught a cold" is the same as "I've got a cold". It is present tense and it means that ___ is having a cold now. by Yuka (JPN) Talk to us in Japan on Skype! Book now 日本語ページ>> FacebookXHatenaPocketCopy