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Magic-dragon Posted 19 years ago
Grammar
That day I could swim across the river because I was in high spirits.
I'd be happy if someone would answer my question. Thanks in advance.
Is the following sentence correct?
A: That day I could swim across the river because I was in high spirits.
Some people say "could do" which means ability is used for expressing one's general or habitual ability. Are they right?
I think "could do" can be used for some kind of accomplishment as well. Am I right?
Is the following sentence correct?
A: That day I could swim across the river because I was in high spirits.
Some people say "could do" which means ability is used for expressing one's general or habitual ability. Are they right?
I think "could do" can be used for some kind of accomplishment as well. Am I right?
Top answer
Magic-dragon Is the following sentence correct? A: That day I could swim across the river because I was in high spirits. Some people say "could do" which means ability is used for expressing one's general or habitual ability.
- Magic-dragon Is the following sentence correct?
- A: That day I could swim across the river because I was in high spirits.
- Some people say "could do" which means ability is used for expressing one's general or habitual ability.
- Are they right?
- I think "could do" can be used for some kind of accomplishment as well.
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5 Answers
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Magic-dragonIs the following sentence correct?Som
A: That day I could swim across the river because I was in high spirits.
Some people say "could do" which means ability is used for expressing one's general or habitual ability. Are they right?
I think "could do" can be used for some kind of accomplishment as well. Am I right?
00
I think this should really read: "That day, I could have swam across the river because I was in such high spirits", if talking about the past. If talking in the present: "I could swim across the river because I am in such high spirits"
Yes, it can relate to an accomplishment, or something that has happened, to have put you in such high spirits. Using it (ie could) is to illustrate just
Yes, it can relate to an accomplishment, or something that has happened, to have put you in such high spirits. Using it (ie could) is to illustrate just
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TidusI think this should really read: "That day, I could have swam across the river because I was in such high spirits", if talking about the past.Hi Tidus
In Helsinki English it would be: "That day, I could have swum across the river because I was in such high spirits."
CB
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Hi,
A: That day I could swim across the river because I was in high spirits.
In a sentence about the past, 'could' can not only indicate ability but also suggest action,/fact.
Consider When Tom was 20, he could run a mile in five minutes. I'd understand from this that he could and he did.
On the other ha
A: That day I could swim across the river because I was in high spirits.
In a sentence about the past, 'could' can not only indicate ability but also suggest action,/fact.
Consider When Tom was 20, he could run a mile in five minutes. I'd understand from this that he could and he did.
On the other ha
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could for general, habitual ability, yes.
But if you are talking about a 'success event', and I think you are, it's was able to. I think you mean that you succeeded in swimming across the river. So you probably want:
That day I was able to swim across the river because I was in high spirits.
It's not correct to say, for example, when sp
But if you are talking about a 'success event', and I think you are, it's was able to. I think you mean that you succeeded in swimming across the river. So you probably want:
That day I was able to swim across the river because I was in high spirits.
It's not correct to say, for example, when sp
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