might have been doing vs might have done

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Might have been doing' is used to talk about an action that was ongoing in the past, while 'might have done' is used to talk about a completed action in the past. They cannot be directly compared as they serve different purposes.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 1971 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to an ongoing action that was happening in the past.

"might have been doing"

This phrase is used to talk about an action that was ongoing in the past. It implies that the action started before a certain point in the past and may have continued after that point.

Examples:

He might have been studying when I called him.
She might have been cooking dinner when the guests arrived.
I might have been sleeping when you knocked on the door.
They might have been playing soccer when it started raining.
The cat might have been sleeping all day.

Show examples from the web [+]

Ask them what ms.Scott might have been doing here.
You know, the guy who might have been doing surgery in the secret tunnels.
Okay, so you're saying whatever either one of us might have been doing will remain forever -
And do you have any idea what he might have been doing at the Victor Fink Gallery in Chelsea? No.
Can you tell us what your brother might have been doing in the park?
Might have been doing some fundraising for you, selling some of your chocolate-covered almonds.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a completed action in the past.

"might have done"

This phrase is used to talk about an action that was completed in the past. It implies that the action happened at some point before the present moment.

Examples:

She might have done her homework already.
He might have done the dishes before we got home.
I might have done something wrong.
They might have done a great job on the project.
The dog might have done something to upset the neighbors.

Show examples from the web [+]

For what he might have done.
Needs to know she might have done something right.
Everything I might have done has been erased.
I might have done it without thinking...
If I'd known how this would all fall out I might have done things different.
I might have done one or two things differently, but we can adjust that along the way.
But I am kind of worried about what I might have done.
Whoever did this might have done the same thing to him.
I might have done the same thing.
Well, if she thought he was an insider, she might have done something to trap him.
Okay, I get that. I might have done the same thing.
Vaughn might have done a drive-by for final preparations on the job.
And I might have done the same thing when I told you that your mom is a princess.
I might have done a piece of time with a fellow like that once.
And I think a great white might have done this.
I suppose the Bursar might have done.
You might have done much better without me.
In hospital I might have done something.
I don't know. I might have done.
Dave might have done this just to annoy Dad.

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

might have been doing vs might have done