Search from various Tiếng Anh teachers...
На добраніч
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 Thg 05 2025 00:21
Câu trả lời · 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 Thg 05 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 Thg 05 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 Thg 05 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 Thg 05 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 Thg 05 2025 12:21
Hiển thị thêm
Bạn vẫn không tìm thấy được các câu trả lời cho mình?
Hãy viết xuống các câu hỏi của bạn và để cho người bản xứ giúp bạn!
На добраніч
Kỹ năng ngôn ngữ
Tiếng Anh, Tiếng Nhật
Ngôn ngữ đang học
Tiếng Anh
Bài viết Bạn Có lẽ Cũng Thích

🎃 October Traditions: Halloween, Holidays, and Learning Portuguese
31 lượt thích · 15 Bình luận

The Curious World of Silent Letters in English
39 lượt thích · 22 Bình luận

5 Polite Ways to Say “No” at Work
39 lượt thích · 9 Bình luận
Thêm bài viết