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Reckless_waltz Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Can't vs. Couldn't

Which one to use:

"I can't remember the number of times I.."

or

"I couldn't remember the nu..."

(Some websites say that both could be used interchangeably.)
  

Top answer

If your memory failure is occurring at the moment you are speaking, I can't remember the number of times ... ] If your memory failed you in the past, and you are telling someone about it now, I couldn't remember the number of times ... ] CJ

  • If your memory failure is occurring at the moment you are speaking, I can't remember the number of times ...
  • ] If your memory failed you in the past, and you are telling someone about it now, I couldn't remember the number of times ...
  • ] CJ
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3 Answers
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If your memory failure is occurring at the moment you are speaking,

I can't remember the number of times ... [At this moment now, I am unable to remember ...]

If your memory failed you in the past, and you are telling someone about it now,

I couldn't remember the number of times ... [At that moment in the past, I was unable to remember ...]

CJ
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Thank you

Sincerely,
Spring Season

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