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It could not happened vs It could not have happened

The correct phrase is "it could not have happened." The use of "have" is necessary to form the past perfect tense in this context. The phrase "it could not happened" is incorrect and not commonly used in English.

Last updated: March 28, 2024

It could not happened

This phrase is incorrect in English. The absence of "have" makes it grammatically wrong.

The correct phrase should be "it could not have happened." The addition of "have" is necessary to form the past perfect tense in this context.

Alternatives:

  • it could not have occurred
  • it could not have taken place
  • it could not have transpired
  • it could not have happened that way
  • it could not have happened at all

It could not have happened

This phrase is correct in English. The addition of "have" is necessary to form the past perfect tense in this context.

This phrase is used to express that something was not possible to occur in the past. It is a correct and commonly used construction in English.

Examples:

  • It could not have happened without your help.
  • I'm sure it could not have happened that way.
  • It could not have happened at a better time.
  • She believed it could not have happened to her.
  • It could not have happened without a reason.

Alternatives:

  • it could not have occurred
  • it could not have taken place
  • it could not have transpired
  • it could not have happened that way
  • it could not have happened at all

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