Coulda, woulda, shoulda
Which sentences are correct?
- I could of used the extra help.
- I could have used the extra help.
- I would of made a great detective.
- I would have made a great detective.
- I should of brought an umbrella.
- I should have brought an umbrella.
The correct sentences are B, D, and F.
Why?
Verb phrases, such as “could have used,” “would have made,” and “should have brought,” are made up of verbs. The word of is a preposition, which doesn’t belong in a verb phrase. The word have is a verb.
The confusion in spelling is due to the pronunciation of the contraction of have (i.e., apostrophe + ve), which sounds the same as of.
These are the correct forms of the sentences:
- I could’ve used the extra help.
- I could have used the extra help.
- I would’ve made a great detective.
- I would have made a great detective.
- I should’ve brought an umbrella.
- I should have brought an umbrella.
A totally understandable error that’s totally easy to correct.
