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PreciousJones Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Could/can

When saying something sarcastic which should I use:

I couldn't even jump over that. Or

I can't even jump over that.

Thanks!
  

Top answer

It depends! The way they are using them here, they mean mostly the same thing. " But why are you saying this sarcastically?

— Ramonajk

  • It depends!
  • The way they are using them here, they mean mostly the same thing.
  • " But why are you saying this sarcastically?
  • Is the thing easy or difficult to jump over?
  • I'm not sure this is a good way to use sarcasm to make your point!
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5 Answers
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It depends! The way they are using them here, they mean mostly the same thing. But "couldn't" is more hypothetical, it is not as sure as saying "can't."

But why are you saying this sarcastically? Is the thing easy or difficult to jump over? I'm not sure this is a good way to use sarcasm to make your point! Let me know and I will try to help, I am very good at sarcasm
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ramonajkIt depends! The way they are using them here, they mean mostly the same thing. But "couldn't" is more hypothetical, it is not as sure as saying "can't."But why are you saying this sarcastically? Is the thing easy or difficult to jump over? I'm not sure this is a good way to use sarcasm to make your point! Let me know and I will try to help, I am very good at sarca
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Aww! so cute!

In my opinion, "couldn't even" is more appropriate. Because your brother would not logically try to jump over the hurdles, and is not currently trying, he should speak of it as a hypothetical situation. If he is miming or pretending to try to jump over the hurdles, he might use "can't."

This is still a weird example of sarcasm, though. Are the hurdles too high for y
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No, because they're miniature hurdles and my brother is 6' 8"!
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PreciousJonesI couldn't even jump over that. OrI can't even jump over that.
Sarcasm is often the reverse of politeness, and could is regarded as more polite than can, so I suspect you want can.

CJ
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