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ESL forum >
Grammar and Linguistics > Modals ( can / could )
Modals ( can / could )
hussamk2000
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Modals ( can / could )
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Hello everybody
What is the difference in meaning between the following three sentences?
1) I can save her...
2) I could save her...
3) I could have saved her...
I need your opinion. PLEASE, help me.
Thanks in advance
Hussam |
24 Jan 2014
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cunliffe
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1) I can save her = I am able to. I have got the capacity to ... 2) I might save her, but I might not, it depends on what follows...You may be pondering whether to save her or not. It �s a possibility. 3) You didn �t actually save her, but you would have been able to if you had tried or wanted to. It may also be a regret.
Hope this helps! |
24 Jan 2014
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hussamk2000
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That �s so kind of you , Lynne. It really helps. |
24 Jan 2014
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minimal70
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1. Ability 2. Possibility or probability 3. Inability or Regret |
24 Jan 2014
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