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Whatchadoin Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
Can't
I would help you if I could but I can't.
Why do native speakers sometimes add 'can't' as in my example above?
____
Take a look at the following sentence.
If I could go to college you could go to college.
Do the two 'could's' have different meaning here?
Thank you.
Why do native speakers sometimes add 'can't' as in my example above?
____
Take a look at the following sentence.
If I could go to college you could go to college.
Do the two 'could's' have different meaning here?
Thank you.
Top answer
whatchadoin I would help you if I could but I can't. Can you help me? (reply) No.
- whatchadoin I would help you if I could but I can't.
- Can you help me?
- (reply) No.
- I'm sorry, but I can't.
- I would if I could.
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1 Answers
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whatchadoinI would help you if I could but I can't.Can you help me? (reply) No. I'm sorry, but I can't. I would if I could.
The "I can't" is a separate clause. It just stressesthat it would be impossible for me to help you.
whatchadoinIf I could go to college you could go to college.
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