Avoid the non-standard spelling could of, in which the preposition of is incorrectly substituted for the verb have or its contraction ’ve.
- Jason could have (not could of) helped you with that.
- You could’ve (not could of) said so sooner!
The error is equally common with should have, would have, might have and must have and their contractions.
- I should have (not should of) studied longer for my English test.
- Our neighbours would’ve (not would of) enjoyed seeing that film.
- We might have (not might of) missed our flight if we had waited.
- Hannah must’ve (not must of) left by now.
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