Would/could + it + not + be

[Nightmare85]

Hey guys,
I'm on asking spree today

I'm not sure here:
He: 2+2=5
I: Would it not be 4?
I: Wouldn't be it 4?
I: Wouldn't it be 4?
(Isn't it 4? -> Maybe the better choice anyway.)

I believe the last blue sentence is not correct, and the rest is correct.

And this one:
Could it not be possible to replace that old processor by a new one?
Couldn't be it possible to replace that old processor by a new one?
Couldn't it be possible to replace that old processor by a new one?

I believe the last sentence is not correct, and the rest is correct

Probably it's not difficult, but I often ask myself...

Cheers!

 

[elhithebest]

Hey guys,
I'm on asking spree today

I'm not sure here:
He: 2+2=5
I: Would it not be 4?
I: Wouldn't be it 4?
I: Wouldn't it be 4?
(Isn't it 4? -> Maybe the better choice anyway.)

I believe the last blue sentence is not correct, and the rest is correct.

And this one:
Could it not be possible to replace that old processor by a new one?
Couldn't be it possible to replace that old processor by a new one?
Couldn't it be possible to replace that old processor by a new one?

I believe the last sentence is not correct, and the rest is correct

Probably it's not difficult, but I often ask myself...

Cheers!

Hi nightmare

The full form of negative questions with modals requires NOTafter the subject (could you not help me?) but this is formal and rare, so contracted forms are normally used (can´t you help me?

So according to this the first and last sentences are correct (mainly last ones)

best wishes

 

[Nightmare85]

Thank you.

So,
Couldn't be it possible to replace that old processor by a new one? :cross:
Couldn't it be possible to replace that old processor by a new one? :tick:

Really??

Cheers!

 

[emsr2d2]

Thank you.

So,
Couldn't be it possible to replace that old processor by a new one? :cross:
Couldn't it be possible to replace that old processor by a new one? :tick:

Really??

Cheers!

I have to say that I don't really like the combination of "can/could" and "possible".

I would say "Isn't it possible to replace that old processor...?"
OR
"Is it possible to replace that...?"
OR
"Would it be possible to replace...?"

 

[Nightmare85]

If the positive version is, "Would it be possible to replace...?", then the negative version is:
"Wouldn't it be possible to replace...?"

Yes :?:

Cheers!

 

[Raymott]

Hey guys,
I'm on asking spree today

I'm not sure here:
He: 2+2=5
I: Would it not be 4?
I: Wouldn't be it 4?
I: Wouldn't it be 4?
(Isn't it 4? -> Maybe the better choice anyway.)

I believe the last blue sentence is not correct, and the rest is correct.

The second is not possible.
The third version is the most common, and correct. The first is also correct, being the uncontracted form of 3.

 

[euncu]

I'm on asking spree today

Hi, Nightmare. I'd just like to know how many questions a day makes it an asking spree.

 

[Nightmare85]

Hi, Nightmare. I'd just like to know how many questions a day makes it an asking spree.

Interesting question. :up:
I created 4 threads within an hour or so.
However, classically seen I would have had to create 5 threads to be on a spree, but this gets too off-topic anyway
(In some shooter games there is this "rule": 5 kills = a killing spree :-D)

Cheers!