Usage of Could

[nairp]

Hi,

Please let me know whether this usage is correct.

I could talk to him and get all the details.

I wanted to tell that I have talked to him and got all the details.

[Mariner]

I could talk to him and get all the details expresses the idea that you haven't yet talked to him, but you are willing/able to do that, theoretically.

If you want to describe an action that has already happened, better do it like this:

I was able to talk to him and get all the details

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by nairp

Hi,

Please let me know whether this usage is correct.

I could talk to him and get all the details.

I wanted to tell that I have talked to him and got all the details.

Why not just say "I have talked to him and have got all the details"?

[Harry Smith]

Originally Posted by nairp

Hi,

Please let me know whether this usage is correct.

I could talk to him and get all the details.

I wanted to tell that I have talked to him and got all the details.

Just say" I talked to him and got all the details"
When you say "I could talk him and get all the details" it means you haven't talked to him and concequently haven't got any details" and maybe you are sorry in a way.

[Lynque]

The subjunctive deals with potential state, condition, or situation, so if someone says they could do something, there seems a clear suggestion that the state, etc., must exist before they will do it.