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en:grammar:modals:could [2016/11/09 13:23] – créée kimen:grammar:modals:could [2023/02/14 14:32] (current) – external edit 127.0.0.1
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 =====Some common expressions===== =====Some common expressions=====
 <html><table class="MsoTableLightListAccent1" style="border: currentColor; border-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-border-alt: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; mso-border-themecolor: accent1;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: -1; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes;"><td width="213" valign="top" style="background: rgb(79, 129, 189); border-width: 1pt medium medium 1pt; border-style: solid none none solid; border-color: rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(79, 129, 189); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent1; mso-background-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 5;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: background1;'>Expression</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="background: rgb(79, 129, 189); border-width: 1pt medium medium; border-style: solid none none; border-color: rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(240, 240, 240); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: accent1; mso-background-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 1;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: background1;'>Meaning</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="background: rgb(79, 129, 189); border-width: 1pt 1pt medium medium; border-style: solid solid none none; border-color: rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(240, 240, 240); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: accent1; mso-background-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 1;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: background1;'>Examples</span></b></p></td></tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 0;"><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: 1pt medium 1pt 1pt; border-style: solid none solid solid; border-color: rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(79, 129, 189); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;'>'<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">couldn't </span>help' + <span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160);">gerund</span>/'it'</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'></span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: 1pt medium; border-style: solid none; border-color: rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-top-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;'>Used to talk about something we <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">couldn't </span>prevent or stop ourselves doing.</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;'>With 'noticing', it suggests an apology for making a personal comment that might not be appreciated.</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-color: rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>I tried to stay awake until the end of the meeting but I <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">couldn't</span> help falling asleep.</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>I <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">couldn't</span> help noticing that you're not getting on well with the new manager - what's the problem? </span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p></td></tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;"><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: medium medium medium 1pt; border-style: none none none solid; border-color: rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(79, 129, 189); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>subject<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>+ '<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">could</span> always' + <span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160);">bare infinitive</span></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: rgb(0, 0, 204); line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>Note that </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style='line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>'always' does not have its usual meaning in this expression. <span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160);"></span></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: red; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-image: none; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>To make a suggestion. </span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>Sometimes the word 'always' adds little extra meaning but it can be used when offering a different or alternative suggestion, often an easy option - a way of saying 'don't forget about...'<span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);"> </span></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: rgb(0, 176, 80); font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: medium 1pt medium medium; border-style: none solid none none; border-color: rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(240, 240, 240); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>"My computer's crashed."</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>"Why don't you call the helpdesk?"</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>"I did but they're busy."</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>"Well you <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">could </span>always try rebooting it - that usually works for me."</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>"Let's have something simple for dinner - I don't feel like cooking."</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>"Well, we <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">could</span> always go out if you prefer." </span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p></td></tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;"><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: 1pt medium 1pt 1pt; border-style: solid none solid solid; border-color: rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(79, 129, 189); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>subject + '<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">couldn't </span>be bothered' (+ <span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160);">infinitive</span> or<span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160);"> gerund</span>)</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: red; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: 1pt medium; border-style: solid none; border-color: rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-top-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>To indicate a lack of motivation.</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-color: rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>I wish I'd finished this yesterday but I was tired and I <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">couldn't</span> be bothered.</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>This casserole should have garlic in it but I didn't have any and I <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">couldn't</span> be bothered to go/going out for some.</span></b></p></td></tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;"><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: medium medium medium 1pt; border-style: none none none solid; border-color: rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(79, 129, 189); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>subject + '<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">couldn't</span> care less' </span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: red; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-image: none; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>To show that we do not care at all about something.</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: medium 1pt medium medium; border-style: none solid none none; border-color: rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(240, 240, 240); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>He <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">couldn't</span> care less if he upsets people - he's so insensitive.</span></b></p></td></tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;"><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: 1pt medium 1pt 1pt; border-style: solid none solid solid; border-color: rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(79, 129, 189); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: rgb(0, 0, 204); font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: rgb(0, 0, 204); font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>Could</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'> it be that..?</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: 1pt medium; border-style: solid none; border-color: rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-top-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>Is it possible that..?</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>It can be used for past, present or future situations.</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'><br></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>It is sometimes used in a sarcastic way.</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-color: rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: rgb(0, 0, 204); font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: rgb(0, 0, 204); font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>Could </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>it be that I was wrong about him?</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: rgb(0, 0, 204); font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>Could</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'> it be that I'm finally beginning to understand this?</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: rgb(0, 0, 204); font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>Could</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'> it be that we'll actually finish on time today?! </span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p></td></tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;"><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(79, 129, 189); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>subject + '<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">couldn't</span> believe' + object</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: medium medium 1pt; border-style: none none solid; border-color: rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(79, 129, 189); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>To express&nbsp;surprise.</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>He <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">couldn't </span>believe it when his boss told him he was fired.</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>She <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">couldn't</span> believe what she heard about him.</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p>&nbsp;<br></p></html> <html><table class="MsoTableLightListAccent1" style="border: currentColor; border-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-border-alt: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; mso-border-themecolor: accent1;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: -1; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes;"><td width="213" valign="top" style="background: rgb(79, 129, 189); border-width: 1pt medium medium 1pt; border-style: solid none none solid; border-color: rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(79, 129, 189); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent1; mso-background-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 5;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: background1;'>Expression</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="background: rgb(79, 129, 189); border-width: 1pt medium medium; border-style: solid none none; border-color: rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(240, 240, 240); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: accent1; mso-background-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 1;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: background1;'>Meaning</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="background: rgb(79, 129, 189); border-width: 1pt 1pt medium medium; border-style: solid solid none none; border-color: rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(240, 240, 240); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: accent1; mso-background-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 1;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-themecolor: background1;'>Examples</span></b></p></td></tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 0;"><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: 1pt medium 1pt 1pt; border-style: solid none solid solid; border-color: rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(79, 129, 189); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;'>'<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">couldn't </span>help' + <span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160);">gerund</span>/'it'</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'></span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: 1pt medium; border-style: solid none; border-color: rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-top-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;'>Used to talk about something we <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">couldn't </span>prevent or stop ourselves doing.</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;'>With 'noticing', it suggests an apology for making a personal comment that might not be appreciated.</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-color: rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>I tried to stay awake until the end of the meeting but I <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">couldn't</span> help falling asleep.</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>I <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">couldn't</span> help noticing that you're not getting on well with the new manager - what's the problem? </span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p></td></tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;"><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: medium medium medium 1pt; border-style: none none none solid; border-color: rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(79, 129, 189); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>subject<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>+ '<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">could</span> always' + <span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160);">bare infinitive</span></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: rgb(0, 0, 204); line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>Note that </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style='line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>'always' does not have its usual meaning in this expression. <span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160);"></span></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: red; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-image: none; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>To make a suggestion. </span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>Sometimes the word 'always' adds little extra meaning but it can be used when offering a different or alternative suggestion, often an easy option - a way of saying 'don't forget about...'<span style="color: rgb(0, 176, 80);"> </span></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: rgb(0, 176, 80); font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: medium 1pt medium medium; border-style: none solid none none; border-color: rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(240, 240, 240); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>"My computer's crashed."</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>"Why don't you call the helpdesk?"</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>"I did but they're busy."</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>"Well you <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">could </span>always try rebooting it - that usually works for me."</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>"Let's have something simple for dinner - I don't feel like cooking."</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>"Well, we <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">could</span> always go out if you prefer." </span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p></td></tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;"><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: 1pt medium 1pt 1pt; border-style: solid none solid solid; border-color: rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(79, 129, 189); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>subject + '<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">couldn't </span>be bothered' (+ <span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160);">infinitive</span> or<span style="color: rgb(112, 48, 160);"> gerund</span>)</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: red; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: 1pt medium; border-style: solid none; border-color: rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-top-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>To indicate a lack of motivation.</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-color: rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>I wish I'd finished this yesterday but I was tired and I <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">couldn't</span> be bothered.</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>This casserole should have garlic in it but I didn't have any and I <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">couldn't</span> be bothered to go/going out for some.</span></b></p></td></tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;"><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: medium medium medium 1pt; border-style: none none none solid; border-color: rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(79, 129, 189); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>subject + '<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">couldn't</span> care less' </span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: red; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt; border: rgb(240, 240, 240); border-image: none; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>To show that we do not care at all about something.</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: medium 1pt medium medium; border-style: none solid none none; border-color: rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(240, 240, 240); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>He <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">couldn't</span> care less if he upsets people - he's so insensitive.</span></b></p></td></tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;"><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: 1pt medium 1pt 1pt; border-style: solid none solid solid; border-color: rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(79, 129, 189); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: rgb(0, 0, 204); font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: rgb(0, 0, 204); font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>Could</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'> it be that..?</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: 1pt medium; border-style: solid none; border-color: rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-top-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>Is it possible that..?</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>It can be used for past, present or future situations.</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'><br></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>It is sometimes used in a sarcastic way.</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-color: rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: rgb(0, 0, 204); font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: rgb(0, 0, 204); font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>Could </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>it be that I was wrong about him?</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: rgb(0, 0, 204); font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>Could</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'> it be that I'm finally beginning to understand this?</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: rgb(0, 0, 204); font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>Could</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'> it be that we'll actually finish on time today?! </span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p></td></tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;"><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(79, 129, 189); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>subject + '<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">couldn't</span> believe' + object</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: medium medium 1pt; border-style: none none solid; border-color: rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(79, 129, 189); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='line-height: 115%; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>To express&nbsp;surprise.</span></b></p></td><td width="213" valign="top" style="border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(240, 240, 240) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(79, 129, 189) rgb(240, 240, 240); padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 159.6pt; background-color: transparent; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1;"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>He <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">couldn't </span>believe it when his boss told him he was fired.</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>She <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204);">couldn't</span> believe what she heard about him.</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; line-height: normal;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style='font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";'>&nbsp;</span></b></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p>&nbsp;<br></p></html>
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