Laxi Dictionary

American Dictionary

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Definition could have (done something) in American English

could have (done something) phrase

phrase
1

used for saying that something was possible in the past, even though it did not happen

Example

You could have been killed.

Example

I could have told you, but I didn't think you would listen.

Example

She could have married Gerald if she'd wanted to.

Synonyms and related words
can cannot could
2

used for saying that perhaps something was true, although you do not really know

Example

The explosion could have been caused by a gas leak.

Example

It could have been Dan, but I'm not sure.

Synonyms and related words
can cannot could
Definition could have (done something) in American English