1

Since contemplating suicide, Maria couldn't hold normal conversations anymore. They reminded her of everything she was about to lose but that couldn’t as well keep.

The as well serves as emphasis. Maria could chose not to die but she has no choice, she has to do it.

If as well isn't the right phrase, then what's a better alternative?

3
  • Strange sentence. Apr 1, 2017 at 8:30
  • I don't think this is the correct way to use the verb keep Apr 1, 2017 at 9:14
  • Can you confirm whether you are asking if you can write a sentence like this or if you are saying you have read this sentence in an English book and you are asking its meaning?
    – RedPython
    Apr 2, 2017 at 4:56

1 Answer 1

1

To make the sentence make sense, you would need to change it a bit:

... she couldn't keep as well.

"That couldn't keep" would mean that the things were going to expire, like old apples.

As well can't go between the auxiliary and the infinitive. It works the same as too in that regard. If you wanted to put emphasis between couldn't and keep then you could say:

... she couldn't very well keep.

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .