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Michael841 Posted 16 years ago
Essay & Composition Writing

Could and Could have

So this is what i know about them: "Could" is a verb, the past tense of "Can". it also could be used when talking in present tense as well and "Could have" is used when talking about a chance in the past.
sometimes though i can't decide which one has to be used. so here i give an example
If Jim says:
"There has been times that I went crazy and i could harm myself."
And Jane says:
"There has been times that I went crazy and could have done harm to myself."

Do these statements mean exactly the same or there's some sort of difference between them?

Thanks
  

Top answer

You can use them interchangeably but there is a little bit difference. "Could have" generally expresses unreal situations. " --> I might harm myself.

— Dogukan

  • You can use them interchangeably but there is a little bit difference.
  • "Could have" generally expresses unreal situations.
  • " --> I might harm myself.
  • " --> But luckily I haven't.
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2 Answers
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You can use them interchangeably but there is a little bit difference. "Could have" generally expresses unreal situations.

"There has been times that I went crazy and i could harm myself." --> I might harm myself.

"There has been times that I went crazy and could have done harm to myself." --> But luckily I haven't.
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This explanation has proven quite helpful, thanks!
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