| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
yoshi-pooh
Joined: 04 May 2006
Posts: 195
|
 Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2007 8:51 am Post subject: present tense? past tense? |
 |
|
Hi, everyone!
"She could steal, but she could not rob"
This is originally from a Beatle song called "She came in through the bathroom window".
If you just read this line, is it possible to judge it's about the past, or present?
The word "could" is sometimes confusing to me because it is used both in the past tense and present tense.
Thank you!
yoshi-pooh |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
buddhaheart
Joined: 13 Jan 2007
Posts: 195
Location: Vancouver, BC Canada
|
| Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2007 9:33 am Post subject: |
|
|
| The word �could� here is modal. In referring to ability, the present tense of �could� is �can�. You might therefore say �it's about the past.� |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
