prolong

Question

I could prolong my stay in Indiana for a few weeks if I want to. Or

I could prolong my stay in Indiana for a few weeks if I wanted to.

I'm confused as to whether to use could or not if I do should I stick to the same tense, because could here is used as a suggestion.

Thanks!

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Stick to the same tense.

... can ... if I want to.
... could ... if I wanted to.

I don't think anything of importance hinges on using could as a suggestion.

(By the way, I'd say "extend my stay". "Prolong my stay" almost hints that you'll be staying longer than you really want to.)

CJ

PreciousJones · Answer

CalifJimStick to the same tense.... can ... if I want to.... could ... if I wanted to.I don't think anything of importance hinges on using could as a suggestion.(By the way, I'd say "extend my stay". "Prolong my stay" almost hints that you'll be staying longer than you really want to.)CJ

Here is where it confuses me:

Could - suggestion, but if I use - I could prolong my stay if I wanted to - then it would mean that I don't really want.

Whereas if I use - I can prolong my stay if I want to - means that it's something I want to do.

But if I want to suggest staying longer than shouldn't I use could instead of can?

Thanks again!

CalifJim · Answer

PreciousJonesCould - suggestion, but if I use - I could prolong my stay if I wanted to - then it would mean that I don't really want.

I don't see it like that. I see it more like this:

1 I could prolong my stay ~ I would be able to prolong my stay.
2 I can prolong my stay ~ I [will be / am] able to prolong my stay.

1 is less definite. It shows that you're just considering staying longer. It's a possibility, but nothing definite yet.
2 is more definite. It shows that you're more sure that a longer stay is going to work out for you.

So with the less definite choice, you use 'wanted to' because that shows a more remote possibility; and with the more definite choice, you use 'want to' because that shows a more certain possibility.

I don't see 'could' as a suggestion, and even if I did, I don't see how that would change anything in the phrasing.

CJ

PreciousJones · Answer

CalifJim PreciousJonesCould - suggestion, but if I use - I could prolong my stay if I wanted to - then it would mean that I don't really want.I don't see it like that. I see it more like this:1 I could prolong my stay ~ I would be able to prolong my stay.2 I can prolong my stay ~ I [will be / am] able to prolong my stay.1 is less definite. It shows that you're just considering staying longer. It's a possibility, but nothing definite yet.2 is more definite. It shows that you're more sure that a longer stay is going to work out for you.So with the less definite choice, you use 'wanted to' because that shows a more remote possibility; and with the more definite choice, you use 'want to' because that shows a more certain possibility.I don't see 'could' as a suggestion, and even if I did, I don't see how that would change anything in the phrasing.CJ

Thank you so much!!!!!

prolong

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