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.

Our experts

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 • 1015 views

Could have

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

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

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

  • 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

would of vs would of would have vs would of he would have vs he would of should have vs should of can be caused of vs can cause of can aware of vs can be aware of

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9TextRanch on TrustPilot).

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices
Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times
Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors
Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service
We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!