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could have not vs could not have

Both "could have not" and "could not have" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Could not have" refers to something was impossible in the past, and "could have not" refers to the possibility of not having done something in the past.

Explained by Michele A.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: October 03, 2024 • 13418 views

could have not

This phrase is correct but less common in English. It is used to emphasize the possibility of not doing something in the past.

This phrase is used to emphasize the possibility of not doing something in the past. It is typically used in more formal or literary contexts.

Examples:

He could have not realized the impact of his words on her.
She could have not known about the changes in the schedule.
They could have not anticipated the sudden turn of events.
I could have not imagined a more beautiful sunset.
The team could have not predicted the outcome of the match.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 10, 2024

Nov 30, 2013 ... I think your sentences are a good demonstration of the contrast between "could not have" and "could have not". Sentence (1) means he was unable ...
Oct 10, 2017 ... Hellion's comment is that it's possible to say "It could have not been him" as a response to a previous comment about what the various ...
Aug 12, 2021 ... Hello everyone, (1). I could not have climbed that wall without the ladder. Does it make sense to say (2) below? (2). I could have not ...
Jul 26, 2024 ... Could have not make Zog crazy? Yes. Should have not make Zog crazy? No.
Jan 27, 2021 ... I could have not done it. I could not have done it. Do you think they are different? Thanks · Hi, thanks for waiting. After some searchings I've ...
Dec 12, 2018 ... What's the difference between "You could not have chosen that" and "You could have not chosen that" if any?
Nov 26, 2012 ... Which one is correct? These changes could have not happened without outstanding help kindly provided by the queen. These changes could not ...
... # SPINOZA /// Episode 2: Spinozist Determinism or how Caesar could have not not crossed the Rubicon. Published March 25, 2013. I am intending to ...
Apr 18, 2016 ... Whether it's focusing on acquiring more things, more money, more investments, or more freedom, I'm still focusing on what I could have, not what ...
Oct 13, 2024 ... 21K likes, 205 comments - lexilwatts on October 13, 2024: "CHICAGO MARATHON today could have not been more perfect! i feel so grateful for ...

Alternatives:

might not have
may not have
could not have

could not have

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It is used to express that something was impossible in the past.

This phrase is used to express that something was impossible in the past. It is a common construction in English for talking about past events.

Examples:

He could not have known about the surprise party.
She could not have finished the project without help.
They could not have predicted the storm.
I could not have imagined a better outcome.
The team could not have won without teamwork.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 10, 2024

#14 - Early urban societies could not have been maintained. 5 posts. 5 posts. Leela. Posts: 63; Joined: Apr 13, 2019. Sat May 04, 2019 9:26 pm | Post #1.
Dec 31, 2022 ... Waves Central could not have initialised properly and will be closed” A message that poups up when i try to open Waves Central.
Aug 13, 2024 ... Bootloader device could not have been found. I just finished hooking up my MMU3, and am trying to flash it to the newest firmware, but every ...
3 days ago ... 3 hr layover could not have been better. Discussion. Booked a D1 flight BOS-DUB that got changed to BOS-JFK-DUB. 3 + hour layover at JFK, so ...
Could Not Have Been Easier. By JennyJanuary 10, 2013October 2nd, 201323 Comments. I guess it's not breaking news that pasta dinners are faster than most, ...
Apr 24, 2023 ... “I could not have been more fortunate to go on a Birthright Israel trip.” by Tyler Scheff • Baltimore, MD Birthright Israel Alum, Onward ...
Aug 15, 2017 ... ... the following packages/stacks could not have their rosdep keys resolved to system dependencies: ceres-solver: No definition of [eige...
May 17, 2024 ... Words I could not have imagined typing thirty years ago when this photo was taken: Yesterday, the University of Michigan granted me tenure.
May 4, 2022 ... ... could not have their rosdep keys ... ERROR: the following packages/stacks could not have their rosdep keys resolved to system dependencies:.
Jul 12, 2024 ... Jamie Dimon could not have a bigger fan than yours truly. But I am still going to be audacious enough to add a word of caution to his recent ...

Alternatives:

could not
was unable to
was not able to
could not possibly have

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