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Anonymous Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

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What does the word 'could' imply in the sentence?

We are glad we 'could' give you the award.

Is it related to the past in which they selected me for the award? Is could related to a past action?
  

Top answer

Anonymous What does the word 'could' imply in the sentence? 'were able to' Anonymous Is it related to the past in which they selected me for the award? Is could related to a past action?

— Mister Micawber

  • Anonymous What does the word 'could' imply in the sentence?
  • 'were able to' Anonymous Is it related to the past in which they selected me for the award?
  • Is could related to a past action?
  • Yes, we can only presume so, since there is no further text indicating when it was awarded.
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4 Answers
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AnonymousWhat does the word 'could' imply in the sentence?
'were able to'
AnonymousIs it related to the past in which they selected me for the award? Is could related to a past action?
Yes, we can only presume so, since there is no further text indicating when it was awarded.
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Mister Micawber AnonymousWhat does the word 'could' imply in the sentence?'were able to'AnonymousIs it related to the past in which they selected me for the award? Is could related to a past action?Yes, we can only presume so, since there is no further text indicating when it was awarded.
Thanks, teacher.

So if 'are' were used instead of 'can', would
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can = are able to
could = were able to

Is that what you mean? Yes, that is one use of those auxiliaries.
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Mister Micawberinal post)Quotecan = are able tocould = were able toIs that what you mean? Yes, that is one use of those auxil
Yes, sorry for the confonfusion. I meant if 'can' was used instead of 'could'! Than I am assuming that 'can=are able to' means in the present or future, as opposed to the past could, right?
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