having done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having done" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an action that has already happened in the past, or to introduce a contrast to something in the present. For example: "Having done all the grocery shopping, all that was left was to start dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Marshall denied having done anything wrong.

The New Yorker

I should know, having done it.

The New York Times

"And having done it made them sicker".

The New Yorker

Having done that, take an ocean voyage.

The New Yorker

I feel slightly grubby having done it".

Independent

He may leave having done the opposite.

The Economist

Let's enjoy having done it.

The New York Times - Arts

(It denied having done so).

The Guardian

Ma denies having done so.

The Guardian

They're not evil for having done this.

The New York Times

official" of having done anything wrong.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having done" to clearly indicate that one action precedes another, ensuring a logical flow in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "having done" when the sequence of actions isn't crucial or clear. It can create confusion if the relationship between events is ambiguous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having done" functions as a perfect gerund phrase, indicating an action completed before another action. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in setting up a prior action that influences the subsequent event. It provides temporal context and often implies causality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "having done" is a perfect gerund phrase used to indicate that an action was completed before another action. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is considered grammatically correct and can be used in various contexts, primarily in News & Media. When writing, it's important to use the expression to clarify the sequence of actions, however do not do so when this is ambiguous. Alternatives like "after completing", "once accomplished", and "upon finishing" offer similar meanings. Ludwig provides many examples to use "having done" in your written works.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after completing

Focuses on the completion aspect of the action, emphasizing the sequential order.

once accomplished

Highlights the successful achievement of a task or goal.

with the task completed

Emphasizes that the task has been brought to an end.

upon finishing

Similar to "after completing" but can imply a more immediate subsequent action.

subsequent to doing

More formal and emphasizes the temporal sequence of events.

following the completion of

A more elaborate way to indicate that an action has been concluded.

after the deed was done

Implies a decisive or significant action has taken place.

the action having been performed

A passive construction highlighting that the action has been carried out.

once it was carried out

Highlights that a procedure was implemented.

in the wake of doing

Suggests that something else happens as a consequence.

FAQs

How can I use "having done" in a sentence?

The phrase "having done" is used to indicate an action that has been completed before another action takes place. For example, "Having done the dishes, I started to relax."

What are some alternatives to "having done"?

You can use alternatives such as "after completing", "once accomplished", or "upon finishing" depending on the context. See also: "after completing", "once accomplished", "upon finishing".

Is it always necessary to use "having done" when describing sequential actions?

No, it is not always necessary. Sometimes simpler constructions like "after doing" or "once I did" are clearer and more concise. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What is the difference between "having done" and "after doing"?

"Having done" often implies a more direct cause-and-effect relationship between the completed action and the subsequent action. "After doing" is a more general temporal marker. For example, "Having studied hard, I aced the test" suggests the studying directly led to the good grade. "After studying, I went to bed" simply notes the sequence of events.