Question
Updated on
9 Dec 2022
- Hindi
- Nepali
-
English (US)
-
French (France)
Question about English (US)
Hello there. Let's say that a friend asks me for a favor and I'm myself in a helpless situation so I'm unable to help them and say this instead "I'm sorry but I'm in a situation where I COULD help you. "
In this sentence, is using "COULD" correct plz? Or should I use "CAN" ?
Hello there. Let's say that a friend asks me for a favor and I'm myself in a helpless situation so I'm unable to help them and say this instead "I'm sorry but I'm in a situation where I COULD help you. "
In this sentence, is using "COULD" correct plz? Or should I use "CAN" ?
In this sentence, is using "COULD" correct plz? Or should I use "CAN" ?
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9 Dec 2022
Featured answer
- English (US)
No, you’re trying to say that you do NOT have the ability to help them. So you should say:
I’m sorry, but I *can’t* help you.
or
I’m sorry, but I’m in *no* position to help you.
Highly-rated answerer
Read more comments
- English (US)
No, you’re trying to say that you do NOT have the ability to help them. So you should say:
I’m sorry, but I *can’t* help you.
or
I’m sorry, but I’m in *no* position to help you.
Highly-rated answerer
- Hindi
- Nepali
@bsloan7 hey there... Thankss again for helping me out... I mistyped the question, I was meaning to ask whether I can use "I'm sorry but I'm not in a position where I COULD help you. ", do you think this would sound natural to natives plz?
- English (US)
@Juneheavens That sounds okay, but I think using “can” would be a little better.
I’m sorry, but I’m not in a position where I can help you.
Native speakers would probably be more likely to use the suggestions I gave in my other comment though.
Highly-rated answerer
- Hindi
- Nepali
@bsloan7 My kindest thankss for clearing it up and all the details... I get it now and I'm soo grateful for all your help... 🙏🙏😊
- English (US)
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