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Mexico flagJordi Jorge
If you and I couldn't talk to each other after several attempts, it means we were not meant to meet. I would like to know if the following sentence is correct. Example: 1. If you and I couldn't talk to each other after several attempts, it means we were not meant to meet. The context is two people who found each other on a dating web site where people's profiles are shown, but since neither had a membership they couldn't send messages one another. Is it correct to use "talk" when one refers to non-verbal communication such as text messages? Should in that context be "talk with each other" or "talk to each other"? Finally, is it correct to use the verb "meet"? Or should it be another like "get in touch" or "communicate"? I wonder if "meet" is not correct because at least they already saw the picture of the other person.

Answers · 4

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Jordi, What you wrote makes sense in English and there aren't any grammatical errors. However, just like Spanish there are many different ways to convey the same information. Alternate examples: If you and I were not able to communicate with each other after several attempts, it means we were not meant to meet. If you and I couldn't connect after several attempts, maybe it means we were not meant to be together. If you and I couldn't sync up after several attempts, perhaps it's a sign that we shouldn't go on a date. I think using meet is fine in the context of a dating site, because the ultimate goal is to meet the person and see if there is something there between the two people. I hope this helps.
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1. If you and I couldn't talk to each other after several attempts, it means we were not meant to meet. Is it correct to use "talk" when one refers to non-verbal communication such as text messages? Should in that context be "talk with each other" or "talk to each other"? "talk" has more than one meaning in English. Used in a serious way in the context of relationaships, it tends to mean communicate, effectively, mean they might talk, but not really to each other., not about anything important. So, here, it is ambiguous. This is not necessarily bad. A simple option might be "make contact", "contact each other", connect. Finally, is it correct to use the verb "meet"? Or should it be another like "get in touch" or "communicate"? I wonder if "meet" is not correct because at least they already seen the picture of the other person. Well, yes, I interpretted "meet" to mean physically meet, when I read it. So your other options are good if you want that clear. Again "communicate" might be taken to mean something deeper. . If we use the same verb. we don't have to repeat it as it is implied. . example: We meet all the time, but we don't really communicate. so taking the simplest meaning as the one intended, we could move to If you and I can't connect after several attempts, it means we were not meant to. . Also an issue with "couldn't" and "it means". couldn't is past. "it means" is present. If the conditional is in the past, then it is already settled, hence no "if", no conditional in this sort of use. Not impossible, but unusual. If we cant't connect then ... it means. <-- yet to be determined If we couldn't connect, then we are not meant to. <-- already settled. . If you and I can't connect after several attempts, it means we were not meant to. If you and I couldn't connect back then, even after several attempts, it means we were never meant to. If you and I can't connect after several attempts, it means we are not meant to ...choose verb. See what others offer?

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