Can/be able

Question

Hello!
You wouldn`t have been able to find the path in the darkness. My questiuon is:
If I say You couldn`t find the path in the darkness .Is it correct?
If it is correct ,what is the difference in meaning?

Thank you!
Merry Christmas!

Ferdis · Accepted Answer

You wouldn`t have been able to find the path in the darkness.
In the past, even if you had tried, though you didn't, you would not have been able to find the path.

You couldn`t find the path in the darkness .Is it correct?
In the past, you tried to find the path and could not.

CalifJim · Answer

1. You would not be able to find the path ... (even if you tried).

= You could not find the path ... (even if you tried).

This is a (negative) prediction of what your ability to find the path is now. (or in the future)
_____________

2. You would not have been able to find the path ... (even if you had tried).
= You could not have found the path ... (even if you had tried).

This is a (negative) prediction of what your ability to find the path was then. (at some time in the past)
_____________

3. You could not find the path ... (in spite of the fact that you did try).

This sentence also occurs above. (See 1.) This is another meaning for the same sentence.

You failed to find the path .... (at some time in the past)
______________

(would not can be written as wouldn't, and could not can be written as couldn't in all sentences above.)

CJ

Can/be able

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