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PreciousJones Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
Can/could
I could if I really wanted to but at this time in my life I don't think I should.
Or
I can if I really want to be at this time in my life I don't think I should.
Are both useable?
I'm trying to say that traveling to NYC is doable, but it's not the right time to do it now, and I don't really want to.
Or
I can if I really want to be at this time in my life I don't think I should.
Are both useable?
I'm trying to say that traveling to NYC is doable, but it's not the right time to do it now, and I don't really want to.
Top answer
Only the first is appropriate given that you don't want to.
- Only the first is appropriate given that you don't want to.
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6 Answers
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fivejedjonOnly the first is appropriate given that you don't want to.What if I don't want to at this time, but there's still a chance of doing it in the future?
When would I use the first conditional then?
Thank you!
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fivejedjonOnly the first is appropriate given that you don't want to.How about two friends talking about their relationship. One says:
We have unconditional love and she can rely on me and I can rely on her. Or
We have unconditional love and she could rely on me and I could rely on her.
SHould it be could or can here?
Th
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Can someone please tell me the difference between:
I can if I really want to. And
I could if I really wanted to.
In my conscious I'm thinking, I can go if I really want to go, but I don't think I should right now, because it's not the right time, therefore I am staying behind.
Which one is the best choice? Thanks!
I can if I really want to. And
I could if I really wanted to.
In my conscious I'm thinking, I can go if I really want to go, but I don't think I should right now, because it's not the right time, therefore I am staying behind.
Which one is the best choice? Thanks!
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The "could" form of the statement is called "subjunctive" and refers to conditions contrary to fact.
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In all the discussion below the common feature of "could" is that it is less real and more imaginary than "can", which is more to do with practical possibilities.
"I could" shows that you have not decided to go yet, or at all. It is usually followed by "but I am not going..." or "I choose not to". It can also be used as a reply to someone saying to you that going is impossible.
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"I could" shows that you have not decided to go yet, or at all. It is usually followed by "but I am not going..." or "I choose not to". It can also be used as a reply to someone saying to you that going is impossible.
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