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!!
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!!