Pouvait verses pourrait

Christina S.C1Kwiziq community member

Could you please explain the difference between Pouvait and Pourrait

Asked 4 years ago

CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Christina,

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

Because in English 'could' can be 'was able to' (pouvait) or '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!

Like24 years ago

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

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

Like14 years ago

Could you please explain the difference between Pouvait and Pourrait

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