What is the difference between "couldn't ask for more" & "couldn't have asked for more" ?
Dear friends

What is the difference between "couldn't ask for more" & "couldn't have asked for more" ? Please help me out.
If we consider the following examples, do both situations express the same idea?

situation 1

Bill: Are you happy? Sue: Oh, Bill. I couldn't ask for more

situation 2

My career has been terrific. I couldn't have asked for more.

Question

What is the difference between "couldn't ask for more" & "couldn't have asked for more" ?
Dear friends

What is the difference between "couldn't ask for more" & "couldn't have asked for more" ? Please help me out.
If we consider the following examples, do both situations express the same idea?

situation 1

Bill: Are you happy?     Sue: Oh, Bill. I couldn't ask for more

situation 2

My career has been terrific. I couldn't have asked for more.

Answer

"Couldn't ask for more" is in the present. Since Bill is currently happy he can't ask for more.

"Couldn't have asked for more" is in the past tense. Your career has already been terrific since it start until now, so you couldn't have asked for more.

Answer

couldn't ask for more <-- Past Indefinite
couldn't have asked for more

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!