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Sundarnaz Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

Can't have seen/ couldn't see

Louisa is still in Palma, so you can't have seen her at the library.

It is from a test on the forum. I don't understand why 'couldn't see' is incorrect here. Would you, please, explain it to me?

Thanks.

  

Top answer

sundarnaz It is from a test on the forum. I don't understand why 'couldn't see' is incorrect here. Would you, please, explain it to me?

— Vsuresh

  • sundarnaz It is from a test on the forum.
  • I don't understand why 'couldn't see' is incorrect here.
  • Would you, please, explain it to me?
  • I think CJ's answer here may help.
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2 Answers
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sundarnazIt is from a test on the forum. I don't understand why 'couldn't see' is incorrect here. Would you, please, explain it to me?

I think CJ's answer here may help.

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'couldn't see' in the given context makes me think of eyesight, and that doesn't quite work with the idea that Louisa is still in Palma.

It was so dark in the library that I couldn't see Louisa.
I didn't have my glasses with me at the time, so I couldn't see what they were pointing at.
There was a woman with a very large hat sitting in front of me, so I couldn'
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