• Exciting news! With our new Ad-Free Premium Subscription you can enjoy a distraction-free browsing experience while supporting our site's growth. Without ads, you have less distractions and enjoy faster page load times. Upgrade is optional. Find out more here, and enjoy ad-free learning with us!

can't and couldn't

Status
Not open for further replies.
D

Dungeon

Guest
in imaginary context:
I couldn't live in the country. I would hate it. (Now I live in city.)

Is it possible I use "can't" in imaginary context?
I can't live in the country. I would hate it.

are "can't" and "couldn't" interchangeable in unrealistic sense?
 

Tdol

Editor, UsingEnglish.com
Staff member
Joined
Nov 13, 2002
Member Type
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
Japan
Not with 'I would hate it'.
 

Raymott

VIP Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2008
Member Type
Academic
Native Language
English
Home Country
Australia
Current Location
Australia
in imaginary context:
I couldn't live in the country. I would hate it. (Now I live in city.)

Is it possible I use "can't" in imaginary context?
I can't live in the country. I would hate it.

are "can't" and "couldn't" interchangeable in unrealistic sense?
You don't use 'can't' with a conditional, 'would'.
You can say, "I can't live in the country. I hate it."

"I would do it if I could."

"I will do it if I can."
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top