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"couldn't continue" vs "wouldn't be able to continue"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Wouldn't be able to continue' implies a hypothetical situation where the ability to continue is in question, while 'couldn't continue' indicates a past situation where the ability to continue was lacking.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

couldn't continue

This phrase is correct and is commonly used in English to indicate a past situation where the ability to continue was lacking.

This phrase is used to describe a situation in the past where someone was unable to continue a particular action or task.

Examples:

  • Due to the storm, we couldn't continue the outdoor concert.
  • The team couldn't continue the game due to the player's injury.
  • I couldn't continue reading the book because it was too boring.
  • The company couldn't continue production without the necessary materials.
  • She couldn't continue the conversation because she had to leave.

Alternatives:

  • were unable to continue
  • were not able to continue
  • could not proceed
  • could not carry on
  • could not go on

wouldn't be able to continue

This phrase is correct and is commonly used in English to express a hypothetical situation where the ability to continue is in question.

This phrase is used to talk about a situation where someone imagines or speculates about not being able to continue something in the future.

Examples:

  • If I lost my job, I wouldn't be able to continue paying my rent.
  • Without proper funding, the project wouldn't be able to continue.
  • If the weather gets worse, we wouldn't be able to continue the outdoor event.
  • She wouldn't be able to continue her studies without a scholarship.
  • If the car broke down, we wouldn't be able to continue our journey.

Alternatives:

  • wouldn't be able to proceed
  • wouldn't be able to carry on
  • wouldn't be able to go on
  • wouldn't be able to persist

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