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New Hope Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

"Couldn't"

Is the use of "couldn't' in the sentence below ocrrect?
"Couldn't dust and smoke make us sick?" she inquired.
  

Top answer

Hi Haroon Please provide more context, specially what made the speaker say this.

— Vsuresh

  • Hi Haroon Please provide more context, specially what made the speaker say this.
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3 Answers
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Hi Haroon
Please provide more context, specially what made the speaker say this.
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haroon rashidIs the use of "couldn't' in the sentence below ocrrect?"Couldn't dust and smoke make us sick?" she inquired.
It's fine.

Couldn't this make us sick? = Wouldn't it be possible for this to make us sick?

This is a weakened (more doubtful) form of Can't this make us sick? = This can make us sick, can't it?

CJ
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The speaker, here, is expressing her fear or suspicion.
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