if you couldn't do that vs if you couldn't do so

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'If you couldn't do that' is more commonly used in informal speech, while 'if you couldn't do so' is a bit more formal. The choice between them depends on the level of formality you want to convey.

Last updated: March 19, 2024 • 1701 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal speech.

"if you couldn't do that"

This phrase is used to refer to a specific action or task that the person was unable to do. It is commonly used in informal conversations.

Examples:

If you couldn't do that, why didn't you ask for help?
I'm sorry if you couldn't do that, I should have explained it better.

Show examples from the web [+]

And if you couldn't do that, you were just taking up space and you'd be fired. A similar expression that's still in use is the non-gender specific “pee or get off the ...
And if you couldn't do that, you were just taking up space and you'd be fired. A similar expression that's still in use is the non-gender specific “pee or get off the ...
And if you couldn't do that, you were just taking up space and you'd be fired. A similar expression that's still in use is the non-gender specific “pee or get off the ...
... and if you wanted to come up with some new idea you had to explain how it agreed with the ideas in those sacred texts, and if you couldn't do that you risked ...

Alternatives:

if you were unable to do that
if you couldn't accomplish that

This phrase is correct but slightly more formal than the first option.

"if you couldn't do so"

This phrase is used in more formal contexts to refer to a specific action or task that the person was unable to do. It is suitable for written communication or formal speech.

Examples:

If you couldn't do so, please let me know.
I apologize if you couldn't do so, we will find another solution.

Show examples from the web [+]

You don't actually have to use this exact phrase, but if you couldn't do so you're in trouble. 3. Remind readers of your claim periodically, especially the more you ...
You don't actually have to use this exact phrase, but if you couldn't do so you're in trouble. 3. Remind readers of your claim periodically, especially the more you ...
If you couldn't do so by then, there are still savings through 12/31/15--deduct 5%. See how much your plan will cost you by using our GFCRD Calculator.
If you couldn't do so by then, there are still savings through 12/31/15--deduct 5%. See how much your plan will cost you by using our GFCRD Calculator.

Alternatives:

if you were unable to do that
if you couldn't accomplish that

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if you couldn't do that vs if you couldn't do so