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MFarooq Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Could

Hi,

Why are COULDS used in the following dialogues?

Ann: Why are you still living in the motel?
Jen: The rent in the orange county is very expensive.For our studio room is probably $1300 and this motel is cheap. It is just $800 and COULD afford that. I do not think that we COULD afford more than that.

Thank you
  

Top answer

MFarooq ... this motel is cheap. It is just $800 and we COULD afford that.

— CalifJim

  • MFarooq ...
  • this motel is cheap.
  • It is just $800 and we COULD afford that.
  • I do not think that we COULD afford more than that.
  • It is just $800 and we were able to afford that.
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3 Answers
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MFarooq... this motel is cheap. It is just $800 and we COULD afford that. I do not think that we COULD afford more than that.
... It is just $800 and we were able to afford that. I do not think that we would be able to afford more than that.

CJ
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So, first could shows to past ability and second shows to present or future conditional?
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MFarooqSo, the first could shows to past ability and the second shows to present or future conditional?
Yes, I think that's a reasonable way to think of it.

CJ
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