Use of 'could' in past tense
1. He could not attend the meeting.
2. He was not able to attend the meeting.
We have been taught that 'could' is to be used in past only when 'know how to do' or capable to do or you had the skill to do.In sentence number 1 there is no skill or knowledge capability, so I am confused whether the sentence is correct.
Could you please explain in brief the use of 'could' in past tense?
Top answer
1. He could not attend the meeting. 2.
- 1.
- He could not attend the meeting.
- 2.
- He was not able to attend the meeting.
- They mean the same thing, and both are very commonly used.
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1. He could not attend the meeting.
2. He was not able to attend the meeting.
They mean the same thing, and both are very commonly used.
0KANA RAM MEENAWe have been taught that 'could' is to be used in past only when ...
Yes, but they didn't tell you that none of that applies to 'could not'.
Surprisingly, 'could' and 'could not' are treated differently.
We ran very fast, but we could not catch the bus. (We failed to catch the bus.) OK.
We ran very fast, so we c
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