Questions tagged [could-modal]
The could-modal tag has no usage guidance.
20
questions
1
vote
1answer
45 views
Can't have + V3 or Couldn't have + V3
Is there any difference between the following sentences?
If Jones was at work until six, he can't have done the murder.
If Jones was at work until six, he couldn't have done the murder.
2
votes
1answer
39 views
Modal verbs: difference betweeen ¨Would¨ and ¨Could¨
I have a question: when I could use the modal verb ¨Could¨ and when ¨Would¨ because for me is similar. I know ¨Would¨ we can use it in very polite situations like ¨would you like a cup of coffee¨. But ...
0
votes
1answer
41 views
could vs might (for expressing the future possibility)
Could vs might(for the future possibility)
I could go there.
I might go there.
I know that these two sentences talk about less possibility to go there.
but, I can’t know their slight difference.
When ...
0
votes
2answers
24 views
could vs might (for the future possibility)
Could vs might(for the future possibility)
I could go there.
I might go there.
I know that these two sentences talk about less possibility to go there.
but, I can’t know their slight difference.
...
0
votes
1answer
87 views
Why some people use could instead of can [duplicate]
Why some people use could instead of can (in the simple present tense)
For example,
Could you open the door?
1
vote
1answer
33 views
Is it correct and natural to use the question “how could you have done it?” when expressing disbelief or surprise?
Is it correcr natural to use the question how could you have done it? when expressing disbelief or surprise? For example:
So you are saying you made it. How could you have done it? You can't even ...
1
vote
1answer
30 views
Usage of Could have
It’s ten o’clock. They could have arrived now.
Does this “could have” indicates they “could have” but they didn’t? If my conclusion is correct, Are there anyother possible interpretations or not?
0
votes
1answer
12 views
Usage of modal verb Could
How could we spend this time on the island?
Does this mean 1)It is impossible or difficult for us to spend time in the island? Or 2) What are the possible means to stay in the forest?
If the ...
0
votes
0answers
8 views
Usage and understanding of could
I could go to the cinema.
As I am not a native speaker, usage of modal verbs is always confusing to me. I understand the above sentence in following cases. So please say if I am wrong.
Case1: It is ...
0
votes
0answers
54 views
Were you able to x Could you
I sent an e-mail to a customer, but he still hasn't answered me. Now, in order to reinforce, should I say:
Were you able to check out the attached settlement proposal?
or
Could you check out the ...
0
votes
0answers
17 views
Can/Could have done = Can/Could it be so that
I recently saw such a phrase:
I can have done it
Can it be a contraction of
It can be so that I have done it ?
The same with
I could have done it = It could be so that I had done it
Or these ...
0
votes
2answers
61 views
“How could you have done it?” vs “How did you manage to do it”
Could you tell me if there is any difference in meaning between the question how could you have done it and how did you manage to do it? For example:
The match seemed impossible to pull off, but ...
1
vote
1answer
35 views
What is the difference between “how could you do” and “how could have you done” when used to express critisism or annoyance?
What is the difference between how could you do and how could have you done when used to express critisism or annoyance? For example:
You took Dad's car without asking. How could you do that!
...
1
vote
1answer
58 views
I couldn't / wasn't able to drink coffee (come home late) when I was 10 years old
Please, help me to understand the usage of these modals better.
As I think, the most appropriate answer is
I wasn't able to drink coffee (come home late) when I was 10 years old.
because these ...
0
votes
0answers
24 views
How can one use WOULD and COULD, both, consecutively?
I encountered a sentence in an article. The writer (Australian) has used both COULD and WOULD consecutively in a sentence. The sentence is "But I was determined to make a statement: would could do ...
2
votes
1answer
47 views
“Could not but” in interrogative sentence
Is the following sentence grammatically correct to write in literature?
How could I not but close my eyes?
As "I could not but close my eyes" is a valid sentence, I felt like this one should also ...
0
votes
0answers
353 views
use of could / would - correct the sentence - I like that piece of furniture. I wish it could fit in my apartment
I like that piece of furniture. I wish it could fit in my apartment.
Options: -
was able to fit
might
would
My answer: I like that piece of furniture. I wish it would fit in my ...
0
votes
1answer
58 views
Is “could not have been done” more appropriate here? [closed]
An extract from today's newspaper:
Despite our best efforts and the hard work of various organizations, the boy could not be retrieved so far.
Should I use: ...the boy could not have been ...
1
vote
3answers
17 views
“could” vs “could not” in this sentence?
"His dance was unbelievable! I don't know if even (I could do
it/could have done it)"
Just something that I want to say about a friend's dance performance last night.I think it should be "could ...
0
votes
1answer
113 views
How could have vs How could [duplicate]
How could we have spent this time on the island?
How could we spend this time on the island?
What is the difference between those two sentences ?
