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Anonymous Posted 10 years ago
Grammar
Difference?
Hi teachers,
What is the difference between "couldn't have finished" and "can't have finished"?
Here are two examples:
A wealthy businessman donated a considerable amount of money to our project; otherwise, we couldn't have finished it.
A wealthy businessman donated a considerable amount of money to our project; otherwise, we can't have finished it.
Thank you.
What is the difference between "couldn't have finished" and "can't have finished"?
Here are two examples:
A wealthy businessman donated a considerable amount of money to our project; otherwise, we couldn't have finished it.
A wealthy businessman donated a considerable amount of money to our project; otherwise, we can't have finished it.
Thank you.
Top answer
It was finished in the past. The hypothetical possibility of non-fulfilment is past, Only couldn't have finished is possible.
- It was finished in the past.
- The hypothetical possibility of non-fulfilment is past, Only couldn't have finished is possible.
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2 Answers
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It was finished in the past. The hypothetical possibility of non-fulfilment is past, Only couldn't have finished is possible.
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Thank you for the answer.
Does "can't have done" have present or past meaning?
Does "can't have done" have present or past meaning?
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