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My mother could have given me some money if she'd wanted to, but she didn't.
↑Can I replace "could" with "should"?🤔
Modal verbs are really tricky, aren't they?
7 mai 2025 00:21
Réponses · 16
2
You can't do that because it makes no sense with 'if she'd wanted to'.
You can say that she should've given you some money but she didn't.
7 mai 2025 03:19
1
Could is used to express past possibilities or to suggest what may happen in the present or future.
Should is rather used for:
- recommendations: you should go see a doctor if you are feeling unwell.
- to express something that is expected: the train should arrive in a minute now.
- to express what you consider being right: I don't have money so my mother should give me some.
- to express what you consider important to do: I should get up early this morning if I don't want to miss my train.
Long time no see by the way, I hope you are doing well.
7 mai 2025 08:12
1
no. here "can" means possibility in the past
so
you can't use "should" which means obligation
and
надобраніч як напевно і напротязі
8 mai 2025 07:57
1
Could = past ability / polite possibility
You can replace could with can only if you're talking about now or the future, not the past.
Example:
“I could help you tomorrow.” → “I can help you tomorrow.”
Should → Can (NOT usually interchangeable)
Should = advice / recommendation
Can = ability or permission
Example:
“You should see a doctor.
Replace could with can only if talking about present/future possibility.
Don’t replace should with can if you want to keep the advice meaning — they express different ideas.If you want to master English grammar I would be glad to help you with your skills as an experienced teacher
7 mai 2025 15:42
1
Hi, you can use either or, but it will have a slightly different meaning. “Could” is used for something she possibly was able to do. “Should” is more of a recommendation for her what to do.
7 mai 2025 12:21
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Compétences linguistiques
Anglais, Japonais
Langue étudiée
Anglais
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