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couldn't do this vs can't do this

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'Couldn't do this' implies that the action was not possible in the past, while 'can't do this' suggests that the action is currently not possible. The choice between them depends on the specific context and the intended time frame of the impossibility.

Last updated: March 19, 2024 • 1382 views

couldn't do this

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It implies that the action was not possible in the past.

This phrase is used to express that a particular action was not possible in the past. It refers to a situation where the inability to do something existed at a specific point in the past.

Examples:

I couldn't do this yesterday because I was too busy.
She couldn't do this task last week due to a lack of resources.

Show examples from the web [+]

Emm Emm Santos Edurise "Most humans couldn't do this." - well, there are ... Ivan Delgado Most dogs couldn't do this either, what do humans have to do with it .
And my brother Will cause I couldn't do this without you. Lyric Meaning. Will Dzmobak is Wiz Khaifa's tour manager, and friend from when he was growing up.
Thanks for all your support, we couldn't do this without you. By Brody Vercher | December 14, 2014. We just want to say thanks for all the love. This has been our ...
Aug 17, 2015 ... This Dog's Got Skillz! Most Humans Couldn't Do This ▻ Best Street Fighter +18 of 201X Video Compilation (Best 100+ Street Fighter Video) ◅

Alternatives:

was unable to do this
wasn't able to do this
failed to do this

can't do this

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It suggests that the action is currently not possible.

This phrase is used to express that a particular action is currently not possible. It refers to a situation where the inability to do something exists in the present.

Examples:

I can't do this right now because I don't have the necessary tools.
She can't do this task at the moment due to a lack of information.

Show examples from the web [+]

I can't do this for 2 years.
I can't do this for another 20 years.
You can't do this just for her.
You can't do this without accounting for the variable.
We can't do this on a case-by-case basis.
I can't do this much longer.
I can't do this anymore, Erica.
Mother, I can't do this any longer.
Archer, you can't do this... yet.
Honey, I can't do this.
We can't do this by Friday.
I can't do this tonight, Vera.
I can't do this many leaves for ten bucks.
I can't do this button.
We can't do this by ourselves, Sam.
No. I can't do this.
I can't do this to Veronica.
I can't do this to Mags.
You can't do this to people.
I can't do this right now.

Alternatives:

am unable to do this
cannot do this
unable to do this

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