Pouvait verses pourrait

ChristinaC1Kwiziq community member

Pouvait verses pourrait

Could you please explain the difference between Pouvait and Pourrait

Asked 3 years ago
CécileKwiziq team memberCorrect answer

Hi Christina, 

I think the problem is with the verb 'pouvoir' with 'si' clauses.

Because in English 'could' can be 'was able to'  (pouvaitor 'would be able to'  (pourrait), it creates confusion,  but In French, it doesn't.

Si je le pouvais, je partirais en France .... = If I was able to (could) , I would go to France

You cannot say -

Si je pourrais ....in French 

Bonne Continuation!

ChrisC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Pouvait = 3rd person singular of imperfect
Pourrait = 3rd person singular of conditional

Pouvait verses pourrait

Could you please explain the difference between Pouvait and Pourrait

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