"might have done" vs "might have been doing"

Question

"might have done" vs "might have been doing"

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

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.

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.

Answer 1

might have done

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

Answer 2

might have been doing

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

"might have done" vs "might have been doing"

might have done

might have been doing

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