make it so that he couldn't vs make it so that he can't

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'Make it so that he couldn't' implies that in the past, he was unable to do something, while 'make it so that he can't' implies a current or future inability. The choice between them depends on the context and the intended meaning.

Last updated: March 21, 2024 • 624 views

This phrase is correct and implies that in the past, he was unable to do something.

"make it so that he couldn't"

This phrase is used to indicate that a situation was arranged in such a way that he was unable to do something in the past.

Examples:

I made it so that he couldn't access the files yesterday.

Show examples from the web [+]

Apr 2, 2016 ... Therefore we were doing everything we could to make it so that he couldn't and wouldn't play the game. It turns out what we “knew” wasn't ...
Therefore we were doing everything we could to make it so that he couldn't and wouldn't play the game. It turns out what we “knew” wasn't exactly true.
Apr 1, 2016 ... He has intentionally been harassing /u/saurik for a long time, to make it so that he couldn't release a Jailbreak with Cydia and force Option 3.
He has intentionally been harassing /u/saurik for a long time, to make it so that he couldn't release a Jailbreak with Cydia and force Option 3. Why would he want ...

Alternatives:

I arranged it so that he couldn't

This phrase is correct and implies a current or future inability.

"make it so that he can't"

This phrase is used to indicate that a situation is being arranged in such a way that he will be unable to do something in the present or future.

Examples:

I will make it so that he can't leave the room.

Show examples from the web [+]

Carrie says to get rid of it and make it so that he can't contact her. Charlotte gets pregnant and is thrilled, but afraid that something bad might happen. She says ...
Mar 7, 2016 ... IamTheGrither. Rapper is his occupation. I think it is a little harsh for the judge to make it so that he can't work. He has bills just like everyone ...
But the Oracle leaves him All Shook Up at the news that a Burning Love will make it so that he Can't Help Falling In Love with his Mama. Suspicious Minds are ...
Feb 9, 2016 ... Block him on everything and delete his contact info. Make it so that he can't contact you, and you can't contact him in a moment of weakness.

Alternatives:

I will arrange it so that he can't

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"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
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

make it so that he couldn't vs make it so that he can't

"make it so that he couldn't"

"make it so that he can't"

Related Comparisons