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Anne
"Have trouble doing something" vs "can't do something"
Can you tell me what's the difference between " can't do something" and " have trouble doing something"? Thanks
For example
1.I can't see the blackboard.
2.I have trouble seeing the blackboard
Nov 8, 2016 2:22 AM
Answers · 1
2
I can't do something is very definite. It is not possible to do something. It does not make clear whether any effort is involved.
Having trouble implies there is effort involved. "I am trying to do something but it is very difficult."
I good example would be driving.
"I can't drive." It could be because I don't know how or I had my license revoked or I am blind or I am 5 years old and I can't reach the pedals.
"I'm having trouble driving." I know how to drive but I am finding it difficult. It could be because I am sleepy or the car is giving mechanical trouble or I'm drunk or I'm fulfilling my wife's fantasy of having sex on the highway.
November 8, 2016
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Anne
Language Skills
Chinese (Mandarin), English
Learning Language
English
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