So glad you can make the party. I say: I couldn't miss it! VS I wouldn't miss it

[B45]

So glad you can make the party. I say:

I couldn't miss it!

VS

I wouldn't miss it!

Are both useable?

 

[Tdol]

Wouldn't works better for me.

 

[B45]

But couldn't isn't wrong? and what's the difference?

 

[MikeNewYork]

For me, "couldn't" is wrong. 'Wouldn't" refers to the person's intention. "Couldn't" refers to ability. One is always able to miss a party.

 

[B45]

What about if it's my relative's wedding.

So glad you can make the wedding. I say:

I couldn't miss it!

VS

I wouldn't miss it!

Like, because she's my family and I kind of had to be there.

Are both useable?

 

[MikeNewYork]

I would still use "wouldn't". What is so important?

 

[B45]

Okay. So, couldn't would be wrong in either situations.

Maybe, because she's my cousin and we grew up together and I felt kind of obligated.

Or maybe if I said it like this:

Oh come on! You know I couldn't miss it even if we were on terrible terms.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I would still use "wouldn't". You are talking about volition, not ability. Just get it.

 

[B45]

I read an article about a college coach accepting a job from a pro team and he said:

I couldn't miss out on this opportunity.

Isn't this also volition and not ability?

 

[MikeNewYork]

I would say neither in that case. That use of "could" is more in the area of what he would allow (or not allow) to happen because of his feelings or inclinations. He obviously wants that job.

 

[B45]

What would you have said?