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He jumped so that he could catch him. vs He could catch him.

Both phrases are correct, but they serve different purposes. The first phrase 'he jumped so that he could catch him' provides additional context by explaining the reason for the action. The second phrase 'he could catch him' is a more concise statement focusing on the ability to catch without specifying the reason.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 528 views

He jumped so that he could catch him.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to explain the reason for an action.

This phrase is used to provide a cause-and-effect relationship, explaining why someone performed a specific action.

Examples:

  • She studied hard so that she could pass the exam.
  • He ran fast so that he could win the race.
  • They saved money so that they could buy a new car.
  • I woke up early so that I could catch the train.
  • He practiced every day so that he could improve his skills.

Alternatives:

  • He jumped in order to catch him.
  • He jumped with the intention of catching him.
  • He jumped to be able to catch him.
  • He jumped for the purpose of catching him.
  • He jumped so he could catch him.

He could catch him.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to state the ability to catch someone without specifying the reason.

This phrase is used to simply state the capability or possibility of catching someone without providing further context or explanation.

Examples:

  • He could catch him if he tried.
  • She could catch the ball easily.
  • They could catch the thief in time.
  • I could catch a glimpse of the sunset.
  • The cat could catch the mouse in seconds.
  • ... if he could catch him. However, the short and long of it was, with reverence be it spoken, that Fin heard Cucullin was coming to the Causeway to have a trial of ...
  • One day the pauper decided to wait for his benefactor to arrive so that he could catch him in the act and see who he was. That particular day Mar Ukva was late ...
  • One day he decided to wait for his benefactor to arrive, so that he could catch him in the act and see who he was. That particular day, says the Talmud, Mar Ukva ...
  • Nov 26, 2014 ... Darius' reasoning was that he feared Alexander 'might run away' before he could catch him. ”Your majesty need have no fears on that score” ...

Alternatives:

  • He was able to catch him.
  • He had the capacity to catch him.
  • He had the capability to catch him.
  • He had the potential to catch him.
  • He had the skill to catch him.

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