could have done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could have done" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to express regrets or missed opportunities, or to suggest that something was possible but was not done in the past. For example: "I could have done better on the test, but I didn't study enough."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Nobody could have done.

The Guardian

"They could have done anything.

The New York Times

"We could have done better".

The New York Times - Arts

"Anybody could have done this.

The New York Times

Who could have done that?

The New Yorker

They could have done it another way".

The New York Times

"But they could have done better".

The New York Times - Tech

On those, governments could have done more.

The Economist

"But we could have done better.

Independent

I think they could have done it".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Correction ReprintsMorgan could have done worse.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could have done" to express missed opportunities or potential actions in the past. Ensure the context clearly indicates the specific action that was possible but did not occur.

Common error

Avoid using "could have done" when referring to present or future possibilities. This phrase exclusively applies to past scenarios where an action was possible but not taken.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could have done" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or unrealized potential in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It indicates that an action was possible but did not occur.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could have done" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express past possibilities, regrets, or hypothetical scenarios. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various communication styles. While seemingly simple, mastering its usage allows you to express missed opportunities and reflect on potential past actions effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should have done

Implies a stronger sense of obligation or expectation that something should have been done differently.

would have done

Indicates a hypothetical action that would have been taken under different circumstances.

might have done

Suggests a lower probability or possibility of something being done.

had the chance to do

Emphasizes the presence of an opportunity that was available.

were given the opportunity to do

Highlights that an opportunity was presented to someone.

had the ability to do

Emphasizes the possession of the necessary skills or resources.

were capable of doing

Focuses on the ability or capacity to perform an action.

were in a position to do

Highlights the opportunity or favorable conditions to act.

had the option to do

Stresses the availability of a choice or alternative.

were able to accomplish

Focuses on the successful completion of a task or goal.

FAQs

How can I use "could have done" in a sentence?

Use "could have done" to express that something was possible in the past but didn't happen. For example, "I "could have done" better on the exam if I had studied more."

What's a more formal alternative to "could have done"?

While "could have done" is generally acceptable in most contexts, a more formal alternative might be "would have been capable of completing". Depending on the context something like "should have done" could work.

Is "could of done" grammatically correct?

No, "could of done" is incorrect. The correct form is "could have done". The contraction "could've" sounds similar to "could of", but it represents "could have".

What's the difference between "could have done" and "should have done"?

"Could have done" indicates a possibility that existed but wasn't realized, while "should have done" implies a moral or practical obligation that wasn't fulfilled. "I could have gone to the party" means I had the option, but "I should have gone to the party" means it was the right thing to do.