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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Can/ could

Hi.
When do we use can and when could in a clause of purpose?
For example here:
I gave him my address so that he can/could contact me.
  

Top answer

Use can if the tense of the verb in the main clause has a present point of view. Use could if the tense of the verb in the main clause has a past point of view. I'm giving him my address so that he can contact me.

— CalifJim

  • Use can if the tense of the verb in the main clause has a present point of view.
  • Use could if the tense of the verb in the main clause has a past point of view.
  • I'm giving him my address so that he can contact me.
  • I gave him my address so that he could contact me.
  • CJ
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1 Answers
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Use can if the tense of the verb in the main clause has a present point of view.

Use could if the tense of the verb in the main clause has a past point of view.

I'm giving him my address so that he can contact me.
I gave him my address so that he could contact me.

CJ
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