"i thought it could be costly." vs "i thought it can costly."

Question

"i thought it could be costly." vs "i thought it can costly."

The correct phrase is "I thought it could be costly." The modal verb "could" is used to express possibility or uncertainty in the past, which is the appropriate context in this case. "I thought it can costly." is incorrect because "can" is not the appropriate modal verb to convey past possibility or uncertainty.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

This phrase is used to express a past thought about the possibility of something being expensive.

Examples:

I thought it could be costly, so I decided not to buy it.
She thought it could be costly, but she purchased it anyway.
They thought it could be costly, so they looked for a cheaper alternative.

Answer 1

i thought it could be costly.

This phrase is correct. The modal verb "could" is used to express possibility or uncertainty in the past.

Answer 2

i thought it can costly.

This phrase is incorrect. "Can" is not the appropriate modal verb to convey past possibility or uncertainty.

"i thought it could be costly." vs "i thought it can costly."

i thought it could be costly.

i thought it can costly.

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