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 • 1517 views

if you couldn't do that

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal speech.

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

if you couldn't do so

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

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

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9).

"Thank you!"
Sachi Nakama July 2024
"I have literally been through chat, PI, claude, bard and bing and I got conflicting answers! Thank you! Human intelligence reigns!"
Retha July 2024
"Faster than AI"
CYNTHIA December 2023
"This was very helpful and I personally think this site is the best."
Kaden October 2023
"It was extremely thorough and very helpful!"
imperialelisa October 2023
"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"
Zubair Alam October 2023
"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."
Selena October 2023
"Without textranch I would be stuck!"
宏祐 October 2023
"Accuracy and fast response. Personal comments from editor. Thank you."
Clh September 2023
"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"
Arturo September 2023
"The fact that you can get reliable fast feedback on your texts."
Vinicius Antonio August 2023
"you guys are better than grammarly i'm being honest here"
ordinary July 2023
"OMG! This is really good than any other text correction tools I've used so far. Highly recommend this."
Vehan July 2023
"Very fast and accurate. thank you."
mojtaba July 2023
"I love this app because it's help to writing skills all of students ♥️"
Tarisini July 2023
"This was exactly the mistake I was looking for, the wording dind´t sound right at first. Better than grammarly!"
Ente July 2023
"The immediate help that I received was reassuring and very satisfactory. Thanks."
priiiyanshuu July 2023
"this helps A LOT for my studies."
kathnunez02 June 2023
"Woow!! I would never have expected such precision! Thank you soooo much!!"
Berta June 2023
"Real Time Editor and not AI. Many Thanks."
Priya June 2023
"The very first thing excites me about Textranch is how much your editors care."
sepideh June 2023
"The fact that texts are checked by human editors rather than by AI, etc. I appreciate this!"
Анна June 2023
"Feel welcome, immediate response, high quality feedback"
martin.roy June 2023
"This is the best app that I have ever seen"
Burulai May 2023

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