[Grammar] What's the difference between "couldn't lose" and "can't have lost"?

Status
Not open for further replies.

ajtokyo

New member
Joined
Apr 9, 2013
Member Type
Other
Native Language
English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
Japan
What's the difference between "couldn't lose" and "can't have lost"?

I'm trying to help an English student with the following question:

Kate ( ) her way, for she has come here several times.

1. couldn't lose 2. could have lost 3. can't have lost 4. can be lost

The book states the CORRECT ANSWER is 3. "can't have lost", but the student has chosen 1. "couldn't lose". Is there a simple way to explain why the correct answer is 3? Honestly, they both seem like they could be correct to me, so I had a tough time explaining.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
 

bhaisahab

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 12, 2008
Member Type
Retired English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
England
Current Location
Ireland
Re: What's the difference between "couldn't lose" and "can't have lost"?

I'm trying to help an English student with the following question:

Kate ( ) her way, for she has come here several times.

1. couldn't lose 2. could have lost 3. can't have lost 4. can be lost

The book states the CORRECT ANSWER is 3. "can't have lost", but the student has chosen 1. "couldn't lose". Is there a simple way to explain why the correct answer is 3? Honestly, they both seem like they could be correct to me, so I had a tough time explaining.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

They are both possible.
 

Tdol

No Longer With Us (RIP)
Staff member
Joined
Nov 13, 2002
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
Japan
Re: What's the difference between "couldn't lose" and "can't have lost"?

I presume they are trying to test can't have lost for an assumption, but they haven't done it very clearly.
 

ajtokyo

New member
Joined
Apr 9, 2013
Member Type
Other
Native Language
English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
Japan
Re: What's the difference between "couldn't lose" and "can't have lost"?

Thank you bhaisahab and Tdol. I appreciate your feedback!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top