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PreciousJones Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

could

My friend told me she was broke but the next day they move into a new house. I say to my friend:

I thought they were broke. How could they move into a new house?

Or

I thought they were. How can they move into a new house?

Which one is the correct grammar.
  

Top answer

PreciousJones Which one is the correct grammar. They have already moved, so it's How could they move ...? or, more accurately, How could they have moved ...?

— CalifJim

  • PreciousJones Which one is the correct grammar.
  • They have already moved, so it's How could they move ...?
  • or, more accurately, How could they have moved ...?
  • CJ
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5 Answers
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PreciousJonesWhich one is the correct grammar.
They have already moved, so it's How could they move ...? or, more accurately, How could they have moved ...?

CJ
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CalifJim PreciousJonesWhich one is the correct grammar.They have already moved, so it's How could they move ...? or, more accurately, How could they have moved ...?CJ
So, how could they move....is wrong?
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PreciousJonesSo, how could they move....is wrong?
No. Not really. It's just that, because of the multiple uses of could, it's ambiguous between How were they able to move? (past) and How would they be able to move? (hypothetical future). With could have, you're more sure that you're saying what you mean.

CJ
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CalifJim PreciousJonesSo, how could they move....is wrong?No. Not really. It's just that, because of the multiple uses of could, it's ambiguous between How were they able to move? (past) and How would they be able to move? (hypothetical future). With could have, you're more sure that you're saying what you mean.CJ
CalifJim PreciousJone
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PreciousJonesin a way both ways of saying it would answer my question.
Yes. That's true.

CJ
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