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to delay; to obstruct; to hinder; to prevent; to thwart
impede
halt
inflict
bulk
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The difference between couldn't do, couldn't have done and can't have done



 
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in spite of and despit of | 50 yeasrs and 5 minutes
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The difference between couldn't do, couldn't have done and can't have done #1 (permalink) Sat Mar 07, 2009 17:09 pm   The difference between couldn't do, couldn't have done and can't have done
 

Hello dear English teachers, recently I have had difficulties using the modal verb "can" when trying to express that something didn't happen. Here is an example of what I find problematic:
He wasn't at the party. You ________ him there.
Which of the verb forms is appropriate here?
My guess is "You can't have seen him there" but I am really not sure. The only book about grammar I have got at home is intermediate grammar and it doesn't mention this.
Could you please give me a rule which would explain when to use couldn't, couldn't have done and can't have done?
Thank you, Lucie
Osakaki
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Joined: 07 Mar 2009
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in spite of and despit of | 50 yeasrs and 5 minutes
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