meanings of open

[GoesStation]

Is the main verb "to care less" or is "couldn't care less" something such as fixed phrases ? Even some books related to language refer to "couldn't care less". Are there other uses such as "I am not caring less" or "you shouldn't care less" instead of "couldn't care less" ?

Are other uses conversational?

Only couldn't is possible. It can be present conditional* or past, as the form of the verb doesn't change.

In BrE, "I couldn't care less" is a set phrase.

And in the American variety.

*I've seen told here that "conditional" is the wrong name for the mood I have in mind. It's the only one I know, but I'm open to correction.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Is the main verb "to care less" or is "couldn't care less" something such as fixed phrases ? Even some books related to language refer to "couldn't care less". Are there other uses such as "I am not caring less" or "you shouldn't care less" instead of "couldn't care less" ?



Are other uses conversational?

Thank you.

There are regional variations. For example, where I live, "I don't care if you come over today" can be an invitation to come over today.

 

[jutfrank]

Although both sentences use the active voice, the first expresses a passive situation: without any actor, the opportunity appeared.

The second is entirely active: something ("this") acted to create the new possibilities.

Maybe you're distinguishing the intransitive and transitive?


(Edit: I now see post #8 has already mentioned this.)