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i cannot vs i couldn

Both "I cannot" and "I couldn't" are correct phrases in English, but they are used in different contexts. "I cannot" is used to express a present inability or a general truth, while "I couldn't" is used to express a past inability or a polite refusal. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on the tense and the formality of the situation.

Last updated: March 15, 2024

i cannot

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a present inability or a general truth.

Use "I cannot" to express a present inability or a general truth. It is a formal and correct way to convey that you are unable to do something.

Examples:

I cannot attend the meeting tomorrow.
I cannot believe you said that.
I cannot swim.
I cannot imagine living without music.
I cannot understand why he did that.

Show examples from the web [+]

also i cannot post the real code due the limit comment form
i cannot, and will not allow her to step one foot out of this secured area, let alone on patrol.
How do I do if i cannot receive or print the Voucher? 12.
I cannot set a good lineup.
I cannot apologise enough, Mrs Pegasus.
I cannot decide whether that makes you trustworthy...
Joe: Yes, i don't know what to say, i cannot tell you what this group is because we never played together a note. But this guy, Lelo Nika, is the greatest accordion player who has ever lived.
I cannot conceal our condition from the british indefinitely.
Because I cannot stay within these walls.
I cannot change Papa's mind.
I cannot begin to imagine the pain.
I cannot make sticky with anyone else.
And even I cannot convincingly whip myself.
I cannot precisely pinpoint its location.
I cannot sell makeup when civilization is collapsing.
I cannot fathom my father's regret.
I cannot parse these words or their meanings.
What I cannot ignore is your betrayal.
I cannot contemplate such a thing.
I cannot support closing places of worship.

Alternatives:

I can't
I am unable to
I'm not able to

i couldn

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a past inability or a polite refusal.

Use "I couldn't" to express a past inability or a polite refusal. It is a more informal way to convey that you were unable to do something in the past.

Examples:

I couldn't finish my homework last night.
I couldn't make it to the party.
I couldn't understand what he was saying.
I couldn't believe my eyes.
I couldn't agree more.

Show examples from the web [+]

Bert: I couldn't care less about your God-Damned Cat right now. by SeanJohn August 02, 2006. 187 41. 3 more definitions. Add your own. 20 Words related to I ...
Jan 8, 2013 ... Leslie Clio "I Couldn't Care Less" aus dem Album "Gladys" (08.02.) bestellen bei Amazon: http://amzn.to/RB61Cf | bei iTunes: ...
I support that very strongly I couldn't agree more with the opinions stated in your recent editorial. Usage notes: sometimes used in the form somebody couldn't ...
In a couple of hours. The morning is coming. And I'm hittin' the door runnin, The gasoline is burning. And I couldn't explain why. The message that I have been ...

Alternatives:

I couldn't have
I was unable to
I couldn't help but

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