[Grammar] YES! You could do it!!

[sky3120]

A : I will master English!!

B : YES! You could do it!!


If someone says "You could do it", do you think it implies politeness and it sounds more softer and more polite? I think if I hear that expression, I feel like he is doubtful about my goal. What do you think? Thank you so much as usual.

 

[SoothingDave]

Softer and more polite than what?

It's not necessarily doubtful. It could be encouraging. It depends on the tone of voice and the emphasis.

 

[Gillnetter]

A : I will master English!!

B : YES! You could do it!!


If someone says "You could do it", do you think it implies politeness and it sounds more softer and more polite (compared to what?)? I think if I hear that expression, I feel like he is doubtful about my goal. What do you think? Thank you so much as usual.

If he really believes that you can do it - "Yes, you can do it"!
"you could do it" implies something akin to it is possible if certain conditions are met. "You could do it if you studied more".

 

[Barb_D]

I feel it needs "can" unless the other person is giving a condition: You could do it if you applied yourself every day.

 

[emsr2d2]

I agree. "You can do it" suggests that you have great faith in the person's ability to do it. "You could do it" sounds as if you are a little more unsure of their chances of success but you are trying to be encouraging anyway.

 

[bhaisahab]

I agree with SoothingDave, it depends on the tone of voice and where the emphasis is placed.