you can have done it vs you could have done it

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'You can have done it' implies the ability to do something in the past, while 'You could have done it' suggests a possibility or opportunity that was missed in the past.

Last updated: March 11, 2024 • 1151 views

This phrase is correct and implies the ability to do something in the past.

"you can have done it"

This phrase is used to express the idea that someone had the ability or permission to do something in the past.

Show examples from the web [+]

Have you looked into what energy saving measures you can have done ? It can sometimes be done free of charge. I know some of my ...
Dec 4, 2014 ... March is fine or early enough so you can have done it before you have to schedule 4th year. Pretty much every rotation is relevant to EM but ...
While it may not be the most relaxing service you can have done, it does leave you with a nice, peaceful, easy feeling – that you are indeed, pretty in your own ...
Aug 9, 2014 ... I've basically had every kind of dental work you can have done. It's been root canals, apicoectomies and all kind of shit you don't even want to ...

Alternatives:

You were able to do it
You had the capability to do it

This phrase is correct and suggests a possibility or opportunity that was missed in the past.

"you could have done it"

This phrase is used to indicate that someone had the possibility or opportunity to do something in the past but did not do it.

Show examples from the web [+]

Just... Perhaps you could have done it a few years ago, and you wouldn't be quite so out of step with your generation.
You could have done it today and you haven't.
You could have done it in this time.
I never thought you could have done it.
There was a time you could have done it.
I also have a bunch of campers who all believe you could have done it.
And you could have done it if you weren't such a pathetic coward.
Is it possible you could have done it?
Do you really think that you could have done it?
You could have done it three years ago.
You could have done it, while i was sleeping.
You could have done it many years ago.
You could have done it, while I was sleeping.
You could have done it when no-one was looking.

Alternatives:

You had the chance to do it
You were able to do it but didn't

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you can have done it vs you could have done it