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PreciousJones Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

couldn't

I'm glad he broke up with me, because I couldn't do it. OR

I'm glad he broke up with me, because I couldn't have done it.

What's the difference here? Are both useable and mean the same thing?

THanks!
  

Top answer

Pretty much the same. The second one is present perfect, connecting the past event with how you feel now.

— Vorpar

  • Pretty much the same.
  • The second one is present perfect, connecting the past event with how you feel now.
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4 Answers
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Pretty much the same. The second one is present perfect, connecting the past event with how you feel now.
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Hello.

The first could imply that she tried to break up with him but failed. The second one doesn't say that she tried, but rather suggests what would've happened if she had, she would've failed.
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Hello Surfer,

Are you a native speaker? I'd like only native speakers to correct and proofread my work. Thank you.
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PreciousJones Hello Surfer,Are you a native speaker? I'd like only native speakers to correct and proofread my work. Thank you.
Just as anyone is free to ask questions here, so anyone is free to respond - so long as they genuinely feel they are able to do so. Some non-native speakers are able to give more helpful answers than some native speakers. You can alwa
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