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Kingfisher Posted 21 years ago
Grammar

Could or can ?

Hi all,

Would u mind telling me which one of the following sentences is acceptable. If both are so, plz tell me what is the difference between them ?

I wish that I could give the world to u but my heart is all that I can give.
Or, I wish that I could give the world to u but my heart is all that I could give.

thanks
  

Top answer

I prefer the first one, because I'm sure that one is right. I don't know whether the 2nd is right or not; still doubting. The difference is that sentences #2 indicates your still in doubt whether you can give your heart or not.

— Vince

  • I prefer the first one, because I'm sure that one is right.
  • I don't know whether the 2nd is right or not; still doubting.
  • The difference is that sentences #2 indicates your still in doubt whether you can give your heart or not.
  • In #1 you're for sure you can give you heart.
  • Could indicates doubt whether something is possible.
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2 Answers
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I prefer the first one, because I'm sure that one is right. I don't know whether the 2nd is right or not; still doubting.

The difference is that sentences #2 indicates your still in doubt whether you can give your heart or not.
In #1 you're for sure you can give you heart.

Could indicates doubt whether something is possible.
Can indicates something that is possible,
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Both are fine; but I'm inclined to agree with Vince that #2 implies a slight lack of commitment on the speaker's part.

In other words, 'could' here is more tentative.

MrP
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