couldn't continue running vs wouldn't continue running

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'Couldn't continue running' implies a physical or external limitation that prevented the person from running, while 'wouldn't continue running' suggests a choice or decision not to continue running. The choice between the two depends on the context and the intended meaning.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 993 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"couldn't continue running"

This phrase is used when there is a physical or external limitation that prevents someone from continuing to run.

Examples:

After twisting his ankle, he couldn't continue running.
Due to the heavy rain, she couldn't continue running outside.

Show examples from the web [+]

Dec 30, 2014 ... After these months we just couldn't continue running HTTPS. Don't get me wrong. . We love the concept of HTTPS Everywhere that Google is ...
... get a small ranking boost on its search result pages, we jumped right on and switched our pages. After these months we just couldn't continue running HTTPS.
Mar 22, 2015 ... As I rounded the corner on the last mud-soaked uphill, I was fairly certain I couldn 't continue running up, and I was more certain I didn't want to.
Mar 20, 2015 ... The sessions with the orthopedic doctor a few weeks later, telling him and Newt that the latter couldn't continue running like he used to.

Alternatives:

was unable to continue running
couldn't keep running
couldn't go on running
couldn't run any further
couldn't carry on running

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"wouldn't continue running"

This phrase is used when someone chooses not to continue running, indicating a decision or reluctance to keep running.

Examples:

Even though he was tired, he wouldn't continue running.
She wouldn't continue running in the race after feeling unwell.

Show examples from the web [+]

I checked the spark plug and it still looks brand new and tried it with another spark plug and it still started but wouldn't continue running.
Oct 2, 2014 ... ... and it has been great so far, after sitting for the summer though, I tried to start it, and found it wouldn't continue running without choke full on.
We would have to turn it to the cold side first before turning it off so the water wouldn't continue running slightly. I found this replacement cartridge online for a ...
Jan 28, 2015 ... I wouldn't continue running around with them at that point because honestly Troll still doesn't do that much and splitting kills between 3-5 ...

Alternatives:

refused to continue running
decided not to continue running
chose not to continue running
opted out of continuing running
didn't want to continue running

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couldn't continue running vs wouldn't continue running