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Whatchadoin Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Could have/could

I don't seem to understand the following sentences. I'll try to analyze them so you can help me.

I left the papers on the table so she could see them. - I left them deliberately in order for her to see them. I wanted her to see them.
I left the papers on the table so she could've seen them. - I think that 'could have' in this example means something like 'might have'. So, she might or might've not seen the papers. We don't know.

Would you help me with this? Thanks.
  

Top answer

Yes, your analysis is correct for both sentences. " "Could have" makes sense, but doesn't sound as natural to me as a native speaker. Hope this helps.

— Markteacher

  • Yes, your analysis is correct for both sentences.
  • " "Could have" makes sense, but doesn't sound as natural to me as a native speaker.
  • Hope this helps.
  • - Mark
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2 Answers
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Yes, your analysis is correct for both sentences.

For the second sentence, best is "I left the papers on the table, so she might have seen them." "Could have" makes sense, but doesn't sound as natural to me as a native speaker.

Hope this helps.

- Mark
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I left the papers on the table so she could see them. = I left them deliberately in order for her to see them. I wanted her to see them. yes
I left the papers on the table so she could've seen them. - I think that 'could have' in this example means something like 'might have'. yes So, she might have or might h
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