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Can you tell vs Could you tell

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

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 2043 views

Can you tell

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

This phrase is used to ask someone if they are able to provide information or explain something. It is more direct and informal compared to 'could you tell'.

Examples:

  • Can you tell me where the nearest post office is?
  • Can you tell if the store is still open?
  • Can you tell what time the meeting starts?
  • Can you tell who won the game?
  • Can you tell why she is upset?
  • Can you tell me what association you had with her.
  • Can you tell me what is happening?
  • Can you tell me Bauer's precise location?
  • Can you tell me some more jokes, please?
  • Can you tell me if you've got terrorist groups...
  • Can you tell me something more about these changes?
  • Can you tell me anything about that conversation?
  • Can you tell Serena to call me?
  • Can you tell me what's happening?
  • Can you tell me anything specific about that location?
  • Can you tell me which room Cassidy Casablancas is in?
  • Can you tell me who did?
  • Can you tell me what the Parliamentary Boycott was?
  • Can you tell me where this potter lives?
  • Can you tell the tribunal how Riemeck obtained his information?
  • Can you tell me anything about it?
  • Can you tell me why you killed those puppies?
  • Can you tell me what subchapter 20 of article, chapter 27...
  • Can you tell me anything that would suggest otherwise?
  • Can you tell me what medications you're taking?

Alternatives:

  • Do you know
  • Could you inform me
  • Would you mind telling me
  • Could you let me know
  • Can you inform me

Could you tell

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in formal or polite situations.

This phrase is used to ask someone politely if they are able to provide information or explain something. It is slightly more formal and polite compared to 'can you tell'.

Examples:

  • Could you tell me how to get to the train station?
  • Could you tell me what time the event starts?
  • Could you tell me why she left early?
  • Could you tell me where you bought that book?
  • Could you tell me who is in charge here?
  • Could you tell me about Zoltán Dániel?
  • Could you tell me where those AA meetings were?
  • Could you tell me anything about what happened in 1871?
  • Could you tell me where to find the chief?
  • Could you tell Capt Picard something for me?
  • Could you tell me which is Brooklyn?
  • Could you tell me where the maintenance guy is?
  • Could you tell me where Lord Gaudain's room is?
  • -Could you tell me where the restroom is?
  • Could you tell us what time this book was checked out, please?
  • Could you tell me where my wife is?
  • Could you tell the fashionable women of America who your favorite designer is?
  • Could you tell us who's that man with handcuffs?
  • Could you tell me where the classic literature section is?
  • - Could you tell me, sir, where we're sailing?
  • Could you tell the Inspector I've arrived, please?
  • Could you tell the promotion board why you deserve to be promoted?
  • Could you tell us how things have been since this horrible incident.
  • Could you tell us about your experience at the Hobman Center?
  • Could you tell the court your relationship to this woman?

Alternatives:

  • Can you inform me
  • Would you mind telling me
  • Could you let me know
  • Do you know
  • Can you tell

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