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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Having done
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "having done" is correct and usable in written English
You can use it to refer to an action that has already happened in the past, or to introduce a contrast to something in the present. For example: "Having done all the grocery shopping, all that was left was to start dinner."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Marshall denied having done anything wrong.
News & Media
I should know, having done it.
News & Media
"And having done it made them sicker".
News & Media
Having done that, take an ocean voyage.
News & Media
I feel slightly grubby having done it".
News & Media
He may leave having done the opposite.
News & Media
Let's enjoy having done it.
News & Media
(It denied having done so).
News & Media
Ma denies having done so.
News & Media
They're not evil for having done this.
News & Media
official" of having done anything wrong.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
✓ Best practice
Consider the formality of your context. While versatile, "having done" may sound more formal than simpler alternatives like "after doing" in casual settings.
⚠ Common error
Avoid using "having done" when the sequence of actions isn't crucial, as it can overcomplicate the sentence. If the timing is irrelevant, a simple conjunction might suffice.
Linguistic Context
The phrase "having done" functions as a perfect gerund phrase, modifying a clause by indicating a completed action that precedes the action in the main clause. As Ludwig AI notes, this is a correct and usable construction in English.
Expression frequency: Very common
✓ Frequent in
News & Media
75%
Science
15%
Formal & Business
5%
⚠ Less common in
Encyclopedias
1%
Wiki
2%
Reference
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "having done" is a grammatically sound and frequently used perfect gerund phrase that Ludwig AI confirms is correct in written English. It functions to clarify the sequence of actions, indicating that one action was completed before another began. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it can be considered neutral to formal in register. Use it to establish temporal clarity in your writing, while also remembering to adapt it to the formality of the context. Consider related phrases like "after completing" or "once finished" as needed to achieve the desired effect.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
after completing
Focuses on the sequence of events with a clear emphasis on the action's completion.
once finished
Implies a state of readiness or transition after an action is fully executed.
upon doing
Highlights the immediate action following the completion of something.
subsequent to doing
Formally emphasizes the order of actions, indicating a clear temporal sequence.
following completion of
Stresses the completed state and its immediate influence on subsequent actions.
with the completion of
Highlights that something is completed before another action starts.
More alternative expressions(6)
FAQs
How can I use "having done" in a sentence?
Use "having done" to indicate that one action was completed before another began. For example, "Having done my homework, I went out to play" shows homework preceded playtime.
What are some alternatives to "having done"?
You can use phrases like "after completing", "once finished", or "upon doing depending on the context".
When is it appropriate to use "having done"?
It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that completing one action directly precedes or enables another, creating a clear sequence. For example, "Having done the research, I presented my findings" clearly links the actions.
Is "having done" formal or informal?
While versatile, "having done" tends to be more formal than simpler alternatives like "after" or "once". Choose based on your audience and the overall tone of your writing.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested