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can someone vs could someone

Both 'can someone' and 'could someone' are correct and commonly used in English. 'Can someone' is more direct and informal, while 'could someone' is slightly more polite and formal. The choice between them depends on the level of formality you want to convey.

Last updated: March 21, 2024 • 1359 views

can someone

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in informal contexts.

This phrase is used to ask if a person has the ability or permission to do something. It is more direct and less formal than 'could someone.'

Examples:

  • Can someone help me with this math problem?
  • Can someone pass me the salt, please?
  • May 1, 2018 ... How can someone be tried six times for the same crime? Why double jeopardy doesn't apply in the Curtis Flowers case.
  • How long can someone live with an enlarged heart? There is no definitive answer to the question of how long someone can live with an enlarged heart.

Alternatives:

  • Could someone
  • Would someone
  • Is there someone who can
  • Is there anyone who can
  • Could anybody

could someone

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in formal contexts or when seeking a polite tone.

This phrase is used to ask if a person has the ability or permission to do something. It is slightly more polite and formal than 'can someone.'

Examples:

  • Could someone please explain this to me?
  • Could someone help me carry these bags?
  • Could someone... anyone...? 4 replies. Forums · General English Grammar & Vocabulary, Listening & Speaking · General English Grammar Questions.
  • This is the British English definition of how can / could someone (do something)?. View American English definition of how can / could someone (do something)?
  • Hello, could someone please kindly let me know if the Hotel is located in travel zone 1? Many thanks, Greta. over a year ago Problem with this question? Answer  ...
  • How Could Someone So Persecute Jesus! January 28, 2016 ... How Could Someone So Persecute Jesus! Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? —Acts 26: ...

Alternatives:

  • Can someone
  • Would someone
  • Is there someone who can
  • Is there anyone who can
  • Could anybody

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