0
Grodada Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Probability : shouldn't vs couldn't

Hi,

I'd like to know if in the following context native speakers could use both auxiliaries with approximately the same meaning (expression of probability) :

It couldn't have been more than two minutes but it seemed very long.

In other words, is it possible to say : It shouldn't have been more than two minutes but it seemed very long ?

Thank you.
  

Top answer

IMHO the difference would be that with "couldn't" you have estimated the "true" time based on factors or calculations relating directly to the current instance. ) With "shouldn't" you have estimated the "true" time based on more general factors, or experience derived from prior instances. That is, we had an opinion about how long it ought to take before we began.

— Avangi

  • IMHO the difference would be that with "couldn't" you have estimated the "true" time based on factors or calculations relating directly to the current instance.
  • ) With "shouldn't" you have estimated the "true" time based on more general factors, or experience derived from prior instances.
  • That is, we had an opinion about how long it ought to take before we began.
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
IMHO the difference would be that with "couldn't" you have estimated the "true" time based on factors or calculations relating directly to the current instance. (I know it couldn't have been more than two minutes because this happened or that happened or I looked at my watch, etc.)

With "shouldn't" you have estimated the "true" time based on more general factors, or experience derived f
0

Related Questions