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Navitasan Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Couldn't vs. can't

Are these sentences correct:

1) That couldn't be true.
2) It couldn't be cold tonight.
3) That man couldn't be her father.
(Meaning: It is impossible that that man is her father.)

Gratefully,
Navi.
  

Top answer

Only #1 and #3 seem useful. Your meaning for #3 is correct.

  • Only #1 and #3 seem useful.
  • Your meaning for #3 is correct.
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3 Answers
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Only #1 and #3 seem useful. Your meaning for #3 is correct.
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Thank you very much, Mr. Micawber, for all your replies.

Is there any difference between:

1) That couldn't be true.
and:
1a) That can't be true.

Is '1' in any way less emphatic? Or more emphatic?

Gratefully,
Navi.
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navitasanIs there any difference between:1) That couldn't be true.and:1a) That can't be true.
It is the usual difference between 'could' and 'can'. You should be able to find many threads on the comparison by using our Search function.

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