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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Before

A quick question: Before the cock crowed twice, Peter denied Jesus three times.
Before the cock could crow twice, Peter denied Jesus three times.

Is the meaning the same? Can one use either one of them to mean the same thing?

Warmly,
  

Top answer

The meaning is the same, I think, but the 'could' version changes the connotation considerably-- it makes it sound like Judas was in a rush. Use the first one.

— Mister Micawber

  • The meaning is the same, I think, but the 'could' version changes the connotation considerably-- it makes it sound like Judas was in a rush.
  • Use the first one.
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4 Answers
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The meaning is the same, I think, but the 'could' version changes the connotation considerably-- it makes it sound like Judas was in a rush. Use the first one.
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AnonymousBefore the *** crowed twice,
Isn't it interesting that our censoring system wipes out parts of Biblical text.
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Mister MicawberJudas
How did he get in this? Did you mean Peter?

CJ
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Well, it was one of those guys, anyway.
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