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Tammy0305 Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

The exact meaning of this sentence

Hello. While reading a text, I met a sentence that I couln't understand. The sentence is

"I doubt that Vincent could have completed that painting."

As far as I understand 'could have pp' shows a possibility in the past. But I'm not sure if 'could have completed 'in the given sentence have the same meaning as I understand. Please help me with this.

  

Top answer

tammy0305 I doubt that Vincent could have completed that painting. = I don't think that Vincent would have been capable of completing that painting. OR I don't think that Vincent would have been able to complete that painting.

— CalifJim

  • tammy0305 I doubt that Vincent could have completed that painting.
  • = I don't think that Vincent would have been capable of completing that painting.
  • OR I don't think that Vincent would have been able to complete that painting.
  • OR I don't think it is possible that Vincent completed that painting.
  • tammy0305 possibility in the past Possibility, ability, capability.
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3 Answers
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tammy0305I doubt that Vincent could have completed that painting.

= I don't think that Vincent would have been capable of completing that painting.
OR
I don't think that Vincent would have been able to complete that painting.
OR
I don't think it is possible that Vincent completed that painting.

tammy0305possibilit
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Thank you for yoyr answer.

I have an additional question. Does the sentence suggest that vincent finished his painting, ot not?

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Thank you so much. Now , I clearly understood.
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