0
Rizan Malik Posted 6 years ago
Grammar
I couldn't be/have been happier
Consider these definitions for "could", from https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/could
Definition 14: You use could not or couldn't with comparatives to emphasize that someone or something has as much as is possible of a particular quality.
a) The rest of the players are a great bunch of lads and I couldn't be happier.
My question: What is the difference between sentence a) and sentence b)?
b) The rest of the players are a great bunch of lads and I couldn't have been happier.
My comment: To me, there is no difference. Because, to me, sentences a) and b) both read: "... and I couldn't be/have been happier (at any time)". Do you agree with me?
Definition 16: You say 'I couldn't' to refuse an offer of more food or drink.
[informal, spoken]
c) More cake?'—'Oh no, I couldn't.'
My question: What is the difference between sentence c) and sentence d) and which one is more formal?
d) More cake?'—'Oh no, I can't.'
My comment: To me, sentence c) is conditional: "(If you gave me one more piece of the cake), I couldn't finish it." Do you agree with me?
Definition 14: You use could not or couldn't with comparatives to emphasize that someone or something has as much as is possible of a particular quality.
a) The rest of the players are a great bunch of lads and I couldn't be happier.
My question: What is the difference between sentence a) and sentence b)?
b) The rest of the players are a great bunch of lads and I couldn't have been happier.
My comment: To me, there is no difference. Because, to me, sentences a) and b) both read: "... and I couldn't be/have been happier (at any time)". Do you agree with me?
Definition 16: You say 'I couldn't' to refuse an offer of more food or drink.
[informal, spoken]
c) More cake?'—'Oh no, I couldn't.'
My question: What is the difference between sentence c) and sentence d) and which one is more formal?
d) More cake?'—'Oh no, I can't.'
My comment: To me, sentence c) is conditional: "(If you gave me one more piece of the cake), I couldn't finish it." Do you agree with me?
Top answer
Rizan Malik What is the difference between sentence a) and sentence b)? a) The rest of the players are a great bunch of lads and I couldn't be happier . The speaker is on a footfall team.
- Rizan Malik What is the difference between sentence a) and sentence b)?
- a) The rest of the players are a great bunch of lads and I couldn't be happier .
- The speaker is on a footfall team.
- They are practicing every day and competing once a week.
- The speaker is so delighted that he claims his team is perfect for him.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
2 Answers
0
Rizan Malik What is the difference between sentence a) and sentence b)?
a) The rest of the players are a great bunch of lads and I couldn't be happier.
The speaker is on a footfall team. They are practicing every day and competing once a week. The speaker is so delighted that he claims his team is perfect for him.
a) The rest of
00
Definition 14: You use could not or couldn't with comparatives to emphasize that someone or something has as much as is possible of a particular quality.
a) The rest of the players are a great bunch of lads and I couldn't be happier. The focus here is that I couldn't be happier right now, ie at present.
My question: What is
a) The rest of the players are a great bunch of lads and I couldn't be happier. The focus here is that I couldn't be happier right now, ie at present.
My question: What is
0
Related Questions