Can I say this?

Question

Hello. Is that phrase correct : "I can't have downloaded this file for a week"? Thanks

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Many things are OK in odd and unusual contexts, and with odd and unusual meanings.

What context are you thinking of? What meaning are you thinking of?

Clive

Philip · Answer

Is this what you mean?

I haven't been able to download this file for a week. [meaning: I have tried, but it won't work]

Anonymous · Answer

zhfanHello. Is that phrase correct : "I can't have downloaded this file for a week"? Thanks

Hi,

I understand the "I can't have downloaded this file for a week"? as a sort of expression: "It wasn't possible that I had been able to download this file for a week."

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Then your sentence is incorrect. Say it the way Philip has suggested.

Clive

CalifJim · Answer

zhfanI can't have downloaded this file for a week

I think you're trying to say

It [has been / must be] (at least) a week since I last downloaded this file.

..........[download]< time gap >X....................

The time gap is at least a week.

You could have downloaded if you had tried,

but you didn't try, or you forgot to download.

But you may be trying to say

I have been unable to download this file for a week. (basically, Philip's response.)

.........( no download )X........................

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

can't download at any of these times

< - - - - - one week - - - - - - >

CJ

Zhfan · Answer

Thank you! So, ?an't we use could+have if we talk about lasting moments in the past?

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