Navitasan Posted 10 years ago
Grammar
Couldn't vs. can't
Are these sentences correct:
1) That couldn't be true.
2) It couldn't be cold tonight.
3) That man couldn't be her father.
(Meaning: It is impossible that that man is her father.)
Gratefully,
Navi.
1) That couldn't be true.
2) It couldn't be cold tonight.
3) That man couldn't be her father.
(Meaning: It is impossible that that man is her father.)
Gratefully,
Navi.
Top answer
Only #1 and #3 seem useful. Your meaning for #3 is correct.
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Thank you very much, Mr. Micawber, for all your replies.
Is there any difference between:
1) That couldn't be true.
and:
1a) That can't be true.
Is '1' in any way less emphatic? Or more emphatic?
Gratefully,
Navi.
Is there any difference between:
1) That couldn't be true.
and:
1a) That can't be true.
Is '1' in any way less emphatic? Or more emphatic?
Gratefully,
Navi.
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navitasanIs there any difference between:1) That couldn't be true.and:1a) That can't be true.It is the usual difference between 'could' and 'can'. You should be able to find many threads on the comparison by using our Search function.
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