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Nina_Nia Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

A test

Hello,

It is not possible to use 'coudn't' in this sentence to express possibility, is it?

Can you lend me some money?

B: Sorry. I ________ . I haven't got any either.
A. ? couldn't
B. ? can't
C. X 'm not able to

The test says that "I am not able' sounds a little offensive. Do you agree?

Thanks
  

Top answer

"Can't" sounds most natural. "Couldn't" sounds like past tense in the sentence, I wouldn't use it. "Not able" doesn't strike me as offensive, maybe I'm pragmatic..

— Vorpar

  • "Can't" sounds most natural.
  • "Couldn't" sounds like past tense in the sentence, I wouldn't use it.
  • "Not able" doesn't strike me as offensive, maybe I'm pragmatic..
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2 Answers
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"Can't" sounds most natural. "Couldn't" sounds like past tense in the sentence, I wouldn't use it.

"Not able" doesn't strike me as offensive, maybe I'm pragmatic..
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I agree with Vorpar. I'm not able to' does not sound offensive. It does sound unnatural.

Both 'couldn't' and 'can't are acceptable responses.
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