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Anonymous Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Can and could

Are both 'can' and 'could' possible here?

They have done everything they 'can' or 'could' to help.

Thanks!
  

Top answer

That seems possible if you're talking about a recent event/situation. Otherwise, I'd use ' did everything they could '. I probably wouldn't use a present perfect with could though.

— Ivanhr

  • That seems possible if you're talking about a recent event/situation.
  • Otherwise, I'd use ' did everything they could '.
  • I probably wouldn't use a present perfect with could though.
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3 Answers
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That seems possible if you're talking about a recent event/situation. Otherwise, I'd use 'did everything they could'.

I probably wouldn't use a present perfect with could though.
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Thanks for your help.
IvanhrThat seems possible if you're talking about a recent event/situation.
But a present perfect is still a past event, which is why I think using ‘could’ would be correct. Right?

So I understand that both ‘could and can’ are possible in that sentence. Have I understood correctly?
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AnonymousBut a present perfect is still a past event, which is why I think using ‘could’ would be correct. Right?
What context do you have in mind? (other than the above sentence in isolation)
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