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couldn't do it vs couldn't have done it

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Couldn't do it' is used to express the inability to complete a task in the present or past, while 'couldn't have done it' is used to express the inability to have completed a task in the past.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 970 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express the inability to complete a task in the present or past.

"couldn't do it "

This phrase is used to indicate that someone was unable to accomplish a task either currently or in the past.

Examples:

  • I couldn't do it yesterday.
  • She couldn't do it even if she tried.
  • We couldn't do it without your help.
  • They couldn't do it on their own.
  • He couldn't do it because he was sick.
  • I told him that I couldn't do it.
  • There was an order to take her down, and I just couldn't do it.
  • Mike realized he couldn't do it forever.
  • He couldn't do it with his wife.
  • Maybe he knew he couldn't do it.
  • I told him I couldn't do it anymore, and he got real angry.
  • Realized they couldn't do it without killing me.
  • I couldn't do it, Margot.
  • Thirty British scientists couldn't do it in a year.
  • Abby... I couldn't do it.
  • You spent days complaining that you couldn't do it.
  • You said I couldn't do it, but I did.
  • But Michael couldn't do it.
  • I couldn't do it to George.
  • I couldn't do it like you even if I tried.
  • I couldn't do it to Damon.
  • I couldn't do it myself.
  • Just couldn't do it anymore.
  • He thought I couldn't do it.
  • No, I couldn't do it.

Alternatives:

  • couldn't accomplish it
  • couldn't complete it
  • couldn't manage it
  • couldn't pull it off
  • couldn't make it happen

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express the inability to have completed a task in the past.

"couldn't have done it"

This phrase is used to indicate that someone was unable to accomplish a task in the past, emphasizing the completion aspect.

Examples:

  • I couldn't have done it without your support.
  • She couldn't have done it any better.
  • We couldn't have done it on time.
  • They couldn't have done it without the proper tools.
  • He couldn't have done it even if he had tried.
  • I promise you, I couldn't have done it alone.
  • I couldn't have done it without your probing and annoying question.
  • Ms.Talcott was with Dwight when Catherine Harrison was assaulted, proving he couldn't have done it.
  • Kale's been locked up with us for two weeks; couldn't have done it.
  • Ray couldn't have done it sitting there.
  • He couldn't have done it because he was next to me on the couch.
  • Of course he couldn't have done it without the help of me, Takiyashamaru.
  • The date and time were on the monitor, so he couldn't have done it.
  • I'm your family. Joey, I really appreciate everything you've done for us, and I couldn't have done it without you.
  • Listen, I wish I could take all the credit, but, honestly, I couldn't have done it without your father.
  • If he couldn't have done it, then why did Beth finger him for the call?
  • KK couldn't have done it, because she's too short.
  • I couldn't have done it otherwise.
  • No, he couldn't have done it.
  • And I couldn't have done it without my other lifelong dream...
  • He couldn't have done it.
  • But l couldn't have done it without you.
  • They couldn't have done it on their own.
  • Ray couldn't have done it sitting there.
  • But this kid couldn't have done it.

Alternatives:

  • couldn't have accomplished it
  • couldn't have completed it
  • couldn't have managed it
  • couldn't have pulled it off
  • couldn't have made it happen

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