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Future332 Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

could do vs. could have done

What is the differences between the following two sentences?
I could do it (meaning in the past)
I could have done it.
Thank you.
  

Top answer

future332 I could do it (meaning in the past) We don't use that for the past, precisely because of the ambguity. Use this: I was able to do it. future332 I could have done it.

— Mister Micawber

  • future332 I could do it (meaning in the past) We don't use that for the past, precisely because of the ambguity.
  • Use this: I was able to do it.
  • future332 I could have done it.
  • That is Conditional III, which says that you were not able to do it because of some condition.
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2 Answers
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future332I could do it (meaning in the past)
We don't use that for the past, precisely because of the ambguity. Use this:

I was able to do it.
future332I could have done it.
That is Conditional III, which says that you were not able to do it because of some condition.
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