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I'll see if I can't help This phrase was brought to my attention. I wrote it and the receiver thought I made a mistake. Before I write back to explain it, I thought I'd get some opinions on it. Which way sounds like you are more eager to help in your opinion? 1. I'll check my schedule and see if I can help. 2. I'll check my schedule and see if I can't help. |
Re: I'll see if I can't help The second one is weird isn't it? It seems to say the opposite of what it means and yet it does actually seem to give a more positive tone to the sentence than the affirmative. It happens a lot after if/whether (ie the non-conditional use of if) - eg I wonder if/whether they wouldn't prefer Wednesday. For me the affirmative leaves the question open : I'll see if I can help or not - It gives the idea that I don't know, or haven't decided. The answer may be yes or no. I'll see if I can't help, on the other hand, implies that I want/intend to help as long as nothing unpredicted stops me. |
Re: I'll see if I can't help Susan - Thanks for the reply. That's pretty much what i was thinking but once a question comes up like that and I run it through my head too many times, I start to doubt myself and everything starts to sound strange. Maybe I've been abroad too long:confused: |
Re: I'll see if I can't help :lol: You think you've got problems .... |
Re: I'll see if I can't help Quote:
I had even forgotten that we do indeed say: I'll see if I can't help. Thanks to Susan for her excellent explanation! Dania |
Re: I'll see if I can't help Without hesitation, i'll say: I'll see if I canhelp |
Re: I'll see if I can't help To me the sentence 'i'll see if I canīt' help makes no sense at all.;) |
Re: I'll see if I can't help Quote:
IMO, it actually means you want to help more than 'Ill see if I can help.' |
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