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Anonymous Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

couldn't vs. couldn't have

I've been recalling some grammar recently and become slightly puzzled. Namely, I can't quite spot a difference between couldn't + verb and couldn't have + verb when referring to the past. For instance:
(1)She couldn't do that.
(2)She couldn't have done that.
What is the difference in meaning between the two statements?
Thanks in advance for help!
  

Top answer

1 She wasn't able (perhaps by choice). She couldn't go with us to the movie last night. 2 It was impossible.

  • 1 She wasn't able (perhaps by choice).
  • She couldn't go with us to the movie last night.
  • 2 It was impossible.
  • She couldn't have shot the guy because she was 50 miles away at the time.
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2 Answers
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1 She wasn't able (perhaps by choice). She couldn't go with us to the movie last night.
2 It was impossible. She couldn't have shot the guy because she was 50 miles away at the time.
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Anonymous(1)She couldn't do that.
1. She was not able to do that. She failed to do that.
2. She would not be able to do that. She would fail if she tried.
3. She was not permitted to do that.

1. We couldn't get in because Jack forgot to bring the key.
2. Look at that gymnast! He's standing on his head. I'll bet you couldn't

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