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Bebop Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Reading an scientific study on germs. I say: I wish I could understand it but I just can't. VS I wish I could understand it but I just couldn't.

Reading an scientific study on germs. I say to my professor:

I wish I could understand it but I just can't.

VS

I wish I could understand it but I just couldn't.
  

Top answer

bebop I wish I could understand it but I just can't. Correct. 'wish' takes a backshifted verb, so 'can' becomes 'could'.

— CalifJim

  • bebop I wish I could understand it but I just can't.
  • Correct.
  • 'wish' takes a backshifted verb, so 'can' becomes 'could'.
  • The scope of the verb 'wish' does not extend into the second clause (beginning with 'but'), so 'can' pops up again ( can 't ).
  • bebop I wish I could understand could have understood it but I just couldn't.
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2 Answers
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bebopI wish I could understand it but I just can't.
Correct. 'wish' takes a backshifted verb, so 'can' becomes 'could'. The scope of the verb 'wish' does not extend into the second clause (beginning with 'but'), so 'can' pops up again (can't).
bebopI wish I could understand could h
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Perfect explanation. Thank you so much!
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