"if i cannot make the payment" vs "If i could not make the payment"

Question

"if i cannot make the payment" vs "If i could not make the payment"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'If I could not make the payment' is used to talk about a hypothetical situation in the past or present, while 'if I cannot make the payment' is used to talk about a current or future situation. The choice between them depends on the tense you want to convey.

Last Updated: March 22, 2024

This phrase is used to discuss a situation that is currently happening or might happen in the future. It implies a condition that is true or likely to happen.

Examples:

If I cannot make the payment by the due date, I will incur late fees.
If I cannot make the payment next month, I will need to seek financial assistance.

Alternatives:

If I am unable to make the payment
If I am not able to make the payment

This phrase is used to discuss a situation that is not currently happening, but could have happened in the past or could still happen in the present. It implies a condition that is not true or uncertain.

Examples:

If I could not make the payment last month, I would have asked for an extension.
If I could not make the payment now, I would inform the bank immediately.

Alternatives:

If I were unable to make the payment
If I had not been able to make the payment

Answer 1

if i cannot make the payment

This phrase is correct and is used to talk about a current or future situation.

Answer 2

If i could not make the payment

This phrase is correct and is used to talk about a hypothetical situation in the past or present.

"if i cannot make the payment" vs "If i could not make the payment"

if i cannot make the payment

If i could not make the payment

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