Question
Updated on
20 Sep 2020
- Japanese
-
English (US)
Closed question
Question about English (US)
why is “could” used in this context?
I think “can” should be used instead.
why is “could” used in this context?
I think “can” should be used instead.
I think “can” should be used instead.
Answers
20 Sep 2020
Featured answer
- English (US)
"Couldn't" is correct, but the difference is very subtle.
"Can't" might imply that outside factors make it impossible (I can't let you watch my dog because he bites and it wouldn't be safe.)
Saying "I couldn't ask you to do that" is a polite way of saying "I believe this favor is too large or too much of a burden, and that you are offering the favor as a gesture of of politeness." The person offering the favor can then either insist the offer is genuine and they do really want to watch the dog, or they can back out of the offer with no hard feelings from either party.
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- Vietnamese
- English (US) Near fluent
- English (US)
"Couldn't" is correct, but the difference is very subtle.
"Can't" might imply that outside factors make it impossible (I can't let you watch my dog because he bites and it wouldn't be safe.)
Saying "I couldn't ask you to do that" is a polite way of saying "I believe this favor is too large or too much of a burden, and that you are offering the favor as a gesture of of politeness." The person offering the favor can then either insist the offer is genuine and they do really want to watch the dog, or they can back out of the offer with no hard feelings from either party.
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- Japanese
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