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Keroro Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Could not vs would not

what is the difference in meaning between these two phrases:

(1)so that they could not be kept alive

(2)so that they would not continue to live



is the difference mainly between "could" and "would"?
  

Top answer

Here are some paraphrases: Could deals with possibilities and ability. Would is implying a future unavoidable event. (1)so that they could not be kept alive - So that we are not able to keep them alive.

— AlpheccaStars

  • Here are some paraphrases: Could deals with possibilities and ability.
  • Would is implying a future unavoidable event.
  • (1)so that they could not be kept alive - So that we are not able to keep them alive.
  • (So that it is not possible to prevent their death).
  • (2)so that they would not continue to live - So that they will not continue to live.
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1 Answers
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Here are some paraphrases:

Could deals with possibilities and ability.

Would is implying a future unavoidable event.

(1)so that they could not be kept alive - So that we are not able to keep them alive. (So that it is not possible to prevent their death).
(2)so that they would not continue to live - So that they will not continue to live. (So that they w
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