I can tell vs i could tell

Both 'I can tell' and 'I could tell' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I can tell' is used when you are currently able to perceive or understand something, while 'I could tell' is used when you were able to perceive or understand something in the past.

Last updated: April 04, 2024 • 1794 views

I can tell

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Use 'I can tell' when you want to express your current ability to perceive or understand something. It indicates that you are currently able to discern or infer information.

Examples:

I can tell you're upset about something.
From the look on her face, I can tell she's not happy.
Based on his reaction, I can tell he didn't like the gift.
I can tell you've been working hard on this project.
I can tell by the way she speaks that she's from the South.

Show examples from the web [+]

Two, from what I can tell.
But others will listen now that I can tell the truth.
Cicotte and Jackson, near as I can tell.
But I can tell he's lying.
You're very smart, I can tell.
I can tell that you're not married.
So far, I can tell that everyone here really likes me.
I can tell from your reaction that we are a good match.
From what I can tell, yes.
I can tell she's worked hard.
I can tell this place likes you.
Just until I can tell them.
I can tell it's laying down.
As near as I can tell, these are behavioural nodes.
I can tell, because I know this melody.
I can tell whether or not he's really out once I see his room.
I'm not even a scientist and I can tell.
Or I can tell Trish the truth.
Okay, the best I can tell, there are eight other campsites nearby.
I can tell from your sofa.

Alternatives:

I can see
I can sense
I can perceive

i could tell

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Use 'I could tell' when you want to express your ability to perceive or understand something in the past. It indicates that you were able to discern or infer information at a previous point in time.

Examples:

I could tell he was lying by the way he avoided eye contact.
Even before she spoke, I could tell she was nervous.
I could tell from the tone of his voice that he was angry.
I could tell you were tired from the way you yawned.
I could tell by the look on her face that she was disappointed.

Show examples from the web [+]

I could tell you were an outlaw.
Because I could tell by the sound of your ring.
I could tell that girl died recently.
I could tell that he had a very harsh head wound.
Maybe I could tell them that my stomach is troubling me.
I could tell 'em you're here.
As far as I could tell, they never made anything.
I could tell Mary what you've done.
And I made his name Wells because I could tell he was... very deep.
'I could tell she had once been beautiful.
I mean, I got some ideas I could tell you...
I could tell by your gait.
Sure, I could tell you.
From what I could tell, James died instantly.
I could tell this is catered.
You never said anything, but I could tell.
I could tell 'em all that you're innocent.
I mean, I could tell you hundreds of them.
I could tell by the clothes she was wearing.
Or I could tell her how ridiculous she's being.

Alternatives:

I knew
I sensed
I perceived

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