0
J Lin Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Could't tell or Can't tell?

What's the difference between the use of "couldn't' and "can't" in the following sentences.
I couldn't tell/can't you the last time I've been this happy.
I am so frustrated and I couldn't tell/can't you why.

Does "couldn't' insinuate a hypothetical circumstance here? what's the hidden conditional then?
  

Top answer

I am so frustrated and I couldn't tell/can't you why. There really isn't any difference. Both are used.

— AlpheccaStars

  • I am so frustrated and I couldn't tell/can't you why.
  • There really isn't any difference.
  • Both are used.
  • ).
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

1 Answers
0
J LinWhat's the difference between the use of "couldn't' and "can't" in the following sentences.I couldn't tell/can't you the last time I've been this happy.I am so frustrated and I couldn't tell/can't you why.
There really isn't any difference. Both are used. "Couldn't implies an additional thought:

I am so frustrated and I couldn't tell you
0

Related Questions