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I can have been vs I can't have been

The phrases "I can have been" and "I can't have been" are not directly comparable as they convey opposite meanings. "I can have been" implies the possibility of having been somewhere or done something, while "I can't have been" indicates the impossibility of having been somewhere or done something.

Last updated: April 05, 2024 • 167 views

This phrase is correct and is commonly used in English to express the possibility of having been somewhere or done something.

"I can have been"

This phrase is used to indicate that it is possible for the speaker to have been in a particular place or to have done a certain thing.

Examples:

  • I can have been to that restaurant before.
  • She can have been the one who called you.
  • They can have been waiting for us at the airport.
  • He can have been the one who took the keys.
  • We can have been mistaken about the time.

Alternatives:

  • I might have been
  • I could have been
  • I may have been

This phrase is correct and is commonly used in English to express the impossibility of having been somewhere or done something.

"I can't have been"

This phrase is used to indicate that it is not possible for the speaker to have been in a particular place or to have done a certain thing.

Examples:

  • I can't have been at the party last night; I was out of town.
  • She can't have been the one who stole the money; she was with me all evening.
  • They can't have been the ones who broke the window; they were in a meeting.
  • He can't have been the person who sent the email; he was in a meeting.
  • We can't have been the ones who left the door unlocked; we always double-check.
  • I can't have been
  • I can't have been the first person to notice the similarities.
  • I am only 19, I can't have been married for longtime.
  • And I can't have been asked that before.
  • The first time I met Gio Ponti I can't have been more than fifteen.
  • I can't have been the only Robert in the army.
  • I can't have been looking hard enough, can I?
  • No. No, I can't have been.
  • No, I can't have been.
  • No. No, I can't have been.
  • I can't imagine things have been easy of late.
  • I can't believe I have been Tiffany's nanny for two years, and I never saw the split coming.
  • I can't believe we have been friends all these years and that was you.
  • Although, I can't say I haven't been offered.
  • I can't. Contamination protocols have been triggered.
  • I can't believe I have been Tiffany's nanny for two years, and I never saw the split coming.
  • But that, gentlemen, is something I can't do Have never been able to.
  • I'm sure it can't have been easy.
  • I can't believe we haven't been struck by lightning.
  • I can't believe I haven't been here before.
  • Although, I can't say I haven't been offered.

Alternatives:

  • I couldn't have been
  • I must not have been
  • I couldn't possibly have been

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