"might not have been" vs "might have been not"

Question

"might not have been" vs "might have been not"

Both "might not have been" and "might have been not" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Might not have been" is the more common and natural construction in English, while "might have been not" is less common and may sound awkward to native speakers.

Last Updated: April 01, 2024

This phrase is used to express uncertainty about something that did not happen in the past.

Examples:

He might not have been at home when you called.
She might not have been aware of the changes.
They might not have been informed about the meeting.
It might not have been the best decision.
The package might not have been delivered yet.

Alternatives:

may not have been
could not have been
would not have been

This phrase can be used for emphasis or to create a specific stylistic effect, but it may sound awkward to native speakers.

Alternatives:

might have not been
could have been not
would have been not

Answer 1

might not have been

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

might have been not

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

"might not have been" vs "might have been not"

might not have been

might have been not

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