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 of

The correct phrase is 'could have.' 'Could of' is a common mistake due to the way it sounds when spoken, but it is grammatically incorrect. 'Could have' is the correct form to express possibility or past ability.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 1172 views

Correct. 'Could have' is the correct form to express possibility or past ability.

"Could have"

Use 'could have' to indicate a possibility or past ability. It is the correct grammatical form.

Examples:

  • I could have gone to the party if I had known about it.
  • She could have finished the project on time if she had worked harder.
  • 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:

  • could've
  • could've
  • could've
  • could've
  • could've

'Could of' is incorrect. It is a common mistake based on the way it sounds when spoken.

"could of"

  • They've ruined what they could of this country, its institutions.
  • I could of gotten you in The New Yorker, or in the encyclopedia brittanica if I wanted to.
  • But when I heard about the Arab, I could of killed you.
  • "I could of told you before that she was no good - like all females!"
  • I could of done this walking on my own back in Staunton.
  • I could of sworn they were in my jacket when I got on.
  • Cara, there's nothing you could of done.
  • Bomber could of killed a dozen people if he wanted to.
  • I just wish it could of gone in a different way.
  • Collecting everything we could of theirs, the Lisbon girls wouldn't leave our minds.
  • You could of told us Nancy's dad was the prince of darkness.
  • And the way that car is trashed, this body could of flown, you know, a little ways.
  • That's a guy who could of used a little liability coverage.
  • We ran what we could of his facial features through recog, and we got a good partial hit.
  • Since my dear soul was mistress of her choice And could of men distinguish, her election
  • You know it's really too bad, we could of had some real fun together
  • Do it the best you can... and go home because I had arduously argued... through other versions to try and get the best version... that we could of the though I didn't think it was necessary.
  • Could of at least returned one of my calls.
  • could of got an agent.
  • What or who could of...

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