-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.
Many thanks
could or could have
Moderator: Alan
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Re: could or could have
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.