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Can I use "could" to express uncertainty? When I am not sure if I can do something or not, Can I say "I could do that"?

Corrections · 6

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Can I use "could" to express uncertainty?

When I am not sure if I can do something or not, Can I say "I could do that"?


I would suggest using the verb "might" or "try" instead.

If you are not sure  if you can do something,  you may say "I might be able to do that" or "I'll try to do that."



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Thanks, urusaikidd. This is a big help. in my sentence, I don't mean that is impossible or hypothetical, so I should say I may be able to do that.
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Thanks, Saqib. I thought "could" sounds less possible. And I am glad to know I can use these adverbs with could.
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Use "could" (and by extension, "couldn't") for ability in the past. Use "could" for possibilities in the future or to make polite requests. I do not feel that your sentence above fits into any of these. The word "May" is used to express what is possible, factual, or could be factual, while "Might" expresses what is hypothetical or remotely possible. Thus, I think you should say, "I may be able to do that." I hope this helps you. J.
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It sounds certain. You would need to say something like "Maybe I could do that" or "I could possibly do that"

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