This was the least we could do vs This is the least we could do

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'This was the least we could do' is used when referring to something that has already been done in the past, while 'This is the least we could do' is used when talking about something that is currently being done or about to be done.

Last updated: April 06, 2024 • 327 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to something that has already been done in the past.

"This was the least we could do"

This phrase is used to express that something done in the past was the minimum expected or possible action.

Examples:

After all they've done for us, this was the least we could do to show our appreciation.

Show examples from the web [+]

This was the least we could do
This was the least we could ask for given that dumping destroys the very essence of freedom of trade.
And this was the least painful way she's ever gone out.
Leggi tutto Sassicaia 1986 Bolgheri Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido 05/26/16 Daniele Cernilli This was the least convincing vintage of the 1980s and while it is an excellent wine, it came as a disappointment after the exceptional '85.
And helping out with the cost of this service was the least I could do.
And this was actually the least interesting part of the work, you know,
Of all the criminals who died of heart attacks, Kurou Otoharada Unemployed Shinjuku Phantom Killer this one's crime was the least serious.
Of all the criminals who died of heart attacks, this one's crime was the least serious.
Kurou Otoharada Unemployed Shinjuku Phantom Killer this one's crime was the least serious.
A new bogus national debate was announced, and Nicolas Hulot told the National Assembly that this project was "the least bad solution".
And this was actually the least interesting part of the work, you know, the design process. We needed an input; we needed continuous tracking; in the software, we look at the types of shapes he's making.
Well, we got a knife wound, we got a large caliber bullet, probably a 45, and a scattergun, which leads me to believe that this was the work of at least two killers.
This was the opinion of at least one prominent Italian musicologist and critic, Fausto Terrefranca, who, in a 1912 pamphlet entitled Giaccomo Puccini and International Opera, accused Puccini of "commercialism" and of having deserted Italian traditions.
This was the least-invasive solution.

Alternatives:

This was the minimum we could offer.
This was the least we could offer.
This was the least we could have done.

This phrase is correct and commonly used when talking about something that is currently being done or about to be done.

"This is the least we could do"

This phrase is used to express that something being done or about to be done is the minimum expected or possible action.

Examples:

Given the circumstances, this is the least we could do to help.

Show examples from the web [+]

This is the least we could do
This is the least dangerous way to remove Urko.
This is the least I could do to help.
This is the least of your problems.
This is the least satisfying argument I've ever won.
This is the least I could do.
This is the least of the new bad news.
This is the least surprising thing you could tell me.
This is the least fascinating conversation I've ever had.
This is the least we could have done at this conference.
This is the least we can do.
This is the least common form.
This is the least protected sector of the island affected by the constructions related to fishing activities.
This is the least of our worries, but I need to go find Axl to sort it out.
Courtesy of Adam Place Photography Senior Lecturer in Economics Dr Stephen Kinsella said This is the least boring thing I've done in years.
This is the least we must do for the sake of human health and the environment.
This is the least the EU should do to avoid banks being bailed out by tax payer's money , he added.
This is the least common, and usually is used for smashes hit from the baseline.
This is the least revealing thing you have?
This is the least revealing thing you have?
This is the least I can do after all the trouble I've put you two through.

Alternatives:

This is the minimum we could offer.
This is the least we could offer.
This is the least we could have done.

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This was the least we could do vs This is the least we could do