could or could have

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

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azz
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could or could have

Post by azz »

-Why didn't you help him?
a-How could I help him? I was injured and I couldn't move.
b-How could I have helped him? I was injured and I couldn't move.


Are the responses (a) and (b) both acceptable in this context?

I think they are both acceptable and basically mean the same in this context. I would use (a) myself.

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Alan
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Re: could or could have

Post by Alan »

Yes, they are both possible but do not mean the same, since, while (b) implies that (through inability) you did not help him, (a) allows for the possibility that you subsequently did.
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