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Anonymous Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

past or present

A. Being slim, he could squeeze through the opening in the fence.
B. Having been invited to the party, we could hardly refuse to go.
To me, these sentences are present. Could is used to show possibility in the present. But I am confused. Please explain briefly. How to know whether they are present or past. The word 'could' is confusing. Please help.
  

Top answer

Anonymous To me, these sentences are present. A is more so than B, in my estimation. Anonymous How to know whether they are present or past.

— Mister Micawber

  • Anonymous To me, these sentences are present.
  • A is more so than B, in my estimation.
  • Anonymous How to know whether they are present or past.
  • The word 'could' is confusing Yes, it is; that is why we recommend 'was/were able to' for the past.
  • Only context and common sense will help the reader determine which time frame interpretation is appropriate.
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2 Answers
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AnonymousTo me, these sentences are present.
A is more so than B, in my estimation.
AnonymousHow to know whether they are present or past. The word 'could' is confusing
Yes, it is; that is why we recommend 'was/were able to' for the past. Only context and common sense will help the reader determine which time frame interpre
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If we have actually been able to do something, then was/were able to is appropriate and could is usually not, unless we are speaking of innate ability:

I could/was able to refuse his offer.

(But: I could/was able to play the piano by the time I was six - innate ability.)

However, if
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