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Tenjing Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

could've in questions.

A. He didn't talk to me when he passed me on a street. Could he have been daydreaming at that time? Here 'could've' has been used to show it is possible that something was happening.

B. I didn't stay with your friend in New York when I was there. Could I have stayed with your friend?(meaning is 'was it possible) Here 'could've' has been used to show something was possible in the past but it didn't happen.
Is the use of 'could've' in both sentences are correct? And also there are different meanings of 'could've' right? ?
  

Top answer

You'll hear things like this in casual conversation, but you should not use them in writing.

— Philip

  • You'll hear things like this in casual conversation, but you should not use them in writing.
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5 Answers
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You'll hear things like this in casual conversation, but you should not use them in writing.
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You mean they are incorrect in writing? Please explain the reason.
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PhilipYou'll hear things like this in casual conversation, but you should not use them in writing.
If you are referring to "He didn't talk to me when he passed me on a street. Could he have been daydreaming at that time?" an "I didn't stay with your friend in New York when I was there. Could I have stayed with your friend?", I have to disagree. What is your ob
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fivejedjon PhilipYou'll hear things like this in casual conversation, but you should not use them in writing.If you are referring to "He didn't talk to me when he passed me on a street. Could he have been daydreaming at that time?" an "I didn't stay with your friend in New York when I was there. Could I have stayed with your friend?", i have to disagree. What is your obje
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So finally, my sentences and my understanding are correct, right? ?
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