could open it

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

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azz
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could open it

Post by azz »

Person 1: Could you open the file I sent you?

Person 2:

a. Yes, I opened it.
b. Yes, I managed to open it.
c. Yes, I could open it.



Which of the sentences a-c work in this context?

I think (b) implies some kind of effort, although there was none involved. That is why I don't like it.
I have strong doubts about (c). Generally when you have managed to do something, you don't say you could do it, but I feel (c) might work in this context. 

I think 'I was able to' would be better, but I am not sure 'could' is wrong here.

Many thanks.
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Alan
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Re: could open it

Post by Alan »

The initial question is unnaturally phrased.

--> Were you able to/did you manage to open the file...?
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