I've done everything I could vs I've done everything I can

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'I've done everything I could' is used when referring to past actions that are completed, while 'I've done everything I can' is used when talking about present or ongoing efforts. The choice between 'could' and 'can' depends on the timeframe of the actions being described.

Last updated: March 29, 2024

I've done everything I could

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to past actions that are completed.

This phrase is used to express that all possible efforts have been made in the past. It implies that the person has done everything within their power at that time.

Examples:

I've done everything I could to help him.
She's done everything she could to save the company.

Show examples from the web [+]

I've done everything I could to make a fresh start and yet I've never felt worse.
I'm Chinese and only a constable, I've done everything I could.
I've done everything I could.
I've done everything I could to achieve peace with you.
I've done everything I could to divert their attention away from you.
We may have had our differences, but Roger knows I've done everything I could to emulate him.
You know, I've done everything I could to try to make you happy.
Once I've walked you down the aisle, I've done everything I could.
It's certainly not me. Linda, I've trusted you. I've done everything I could think of.
I've done everything I could.
Linda, I've trusted you. I've done everything I could think of.
I begged you not to come! I've done everything I could... to keep you away!
Ma'am, I've always done everything I could for your family, you know that.
I would've done everything I could've done to help him.
I've done everything that I could to protect him, everything I could to stop him.
No, I've done everything tor you I could possibly do,
I've done everything I can, I put up the best argument I could.
I have done everything I could to keep him in the stable.
I've done everything I can for John.
I've done everything I can to reverse the spell.

Alternatives:

I did everything I could
He had done everything he could

I've done everything I can

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to present or ongoing efforts.

This phrase is used to express that all possible efforts are being made in the present or ongoing situation. It implies that the person is currently doing everything within their power.

Examples:

I've done everything I can to fix the issue.
She's done everything she can to prepare for the exam.

Show examples from the web [+]

I've done everything I can, Doctor.
I've done everything I can to keep these people fed and safe.
I've done everything I can for John.
I've done everything I can, Pete.
I've done everything I can for Ambassador Kosh... but he's slipping away.
I've done everything I can, but I just - I can't make him do anything.
I've done everything I can think of to get her to like me, but she just won't give me a chance.
I've done everything I can to convince you that I'm innocent.
I've been very open about my past, and I've done everything I can to overcome it in a responsible, permanent way.
I told you, I've done everything I can.
I've done everything I can think to do, everything my own mother did... and it doesn't matter.
I've done everything I can possibly do to make this relationship work, and I keep waiting for some sort of good-faith effort from you, and what I get is a night like tonight.
I've done everything I can think to do, everything my own mother did, and it doesn't matter.
I've done everything I can for him.
I've done everything I can do.
I've done everything I can to reverse the spell.
I've done everything I can to help you.
Trust me, I've done everything I can.
It's precisely because I love you that I've done everything I can not to see you any more.
And if he wakes, I want him to know I've done everything I can.

Alternatives:

I am doing everything I can
He is doing everything he can

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I've done everything I could vs I've done everything I can