TextRanch
The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

TextRanch Editors

Could have vs could have been

Both "could have" and "could have been" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Could have" is used to talk about possibilities or past abilities, while "could have been" is used to refer to something that was possible in the past.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 957 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to talk about possibilities or past abilities.

"Could have"

Use "could have" to express past possibilities or abilities. It is often followed by a past participle.

Examples:

  • I could have gone to the party if I had known about it.
  • She could have been a doctor if she had pursued medicine.
  • They could have won the game if they had played better.
  • He could have finished the project on time if he had worked harder.
  • We could have helped you if you had asked for assistance.
  • Could have been anything, really.
  • Could have been a kid inside.
  • Could have gotten off with a slap on the wrist.
  • Could have been house priestess few years time.
  • Could have a very good effect on you.
  • Could have beaten around the bush a little.
  • I mean, our driver Could have dumped the body anywhere.
  • Could have sworn I parked right around here.
  • Could have been a wrench or something.
  • Could have told you she was trouble.
  • Could have been an integrity check.
  • Could have figured into his plan.
  • Could have eaten shellfish or peanuts.
  • Could have been what incited today's incident.
  • Could have been switched long ago.
  • Could have been anyone, at any time.
  • Could have been a couple places.
  • Could have met the caller there.
  • Could have brain leaking from my ear.
  • Could have been anyone who knew.

Alternatives:

  • might have
  • should have
  • would have

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to something that was possible in the past.

"could have been"

Use "could have been" to talk about something that was possible in the past. It is often followed by a past participle.

Examples:

  • He could have been a great musician if he had practiced more.
  • The team could have been champions if they had won the last game.
  • She could have been a successful writer if she had pursued her passion for writing.
  • It could have been a wonderful experience if the weather had been better.
  • The project could have been completed on time if there had been no delays.
  • It could have been a business lunch.
  • But a body could have been wrapped in something.
  • You shouldn't have gone alone, it could have been dangerous.
  • - She could have been a powerful ally.
  • His daughter's murder could have been retribution.
  • Aid granted under this scheme could have been granted from 1984.
  • That could have been last week, last night.
  • Or he could have been planted there for us to find.
  • Tripp goddard could have been attacked by more than one person.
  • It could have been ripped off the victim.
  • It could have been touched by any number of people before that night.
  • Well, it could have been washed anywhere by the water.
  • He has so many enemies, it literally could have been anyone.
  • It could have been shaft, dolemite...
  • Our suspect could have been there, followed Brooke and Lewis back to their hotel room.
  • All this could have been ours if only you'd just...
  • We could have been breaking and entering.
  • That... that ring could have been for you.
  • Attacker could have been interrupted before he could nick it.
  • Anybody nearby could have been exposed.

Alternatives:

  • might have been
  • should have been
  • would have been

Related Comparisons

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

  • Emails and short texts
  • Proofreading & editing
  • Ready in 5-10 minutes
SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

  • Documents of any type (*.docx)
  • Advanced & Premium editing
  • Ready in as little as 4 hours
UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

  • Personalized answers to your language questions
  • Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
  • Ready in 24 hours
ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Powered By Humans

TextRanch Editors

AI is a great tool, but when it comes to perfecting your writing, we rely on real human editors.

  • All our editors are native English speakers.
  • Each editor has passed a rigorous admission test to ensure quality.
  • Our global team is ready to correct any text, anytime.

MEET OUR EDITORS

TextRanch Editors

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

People Feedback 4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Profile picture of Zubair from Bangladesh

Zubair
from Bangladesh From

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Profile picture of Arturo from Mexico

Arturo
from Mexico From

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Profile picture of Selena from USA

Selena
from USA From

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Profile picture of Ifiok from Nigeria

Ifiok
from Nigeria From

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Profile picture of Wilson from France

Wilson
from France From

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Profile picture of Susan from Germany

Susan
from Germany From

Trusted by Hundreds Teams

Facebook logo
Accenture logo
Air Asia logo
AirBus logo
Amazon logo
Bayer logo
Decathlon logo
Docusign logo
Ebay logo
Fiverr logo
Fossil logo
Keller Williams logo
LinkedIn logo
Loreal logo
Motorola logo
Orange logo
Roche logo
Salesforce logo
Stellantis logo