9
  • I would love to if I can
  • I would love to if I could

Which one is right?

Jasper
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Marco
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2 Answers2

15

I would love to if I could has CAN in the past tense but with present reference as a counterfactual:

SHE: Hey, Marco, we're going to the Thai place for lunch, you wanna come with?
YOU: I'd love to if I could, but I'm waiting for a call.

I would love to if I can has CAN in the present tense but with future reference as a contingent possibility:

SHE: Hey, Marco, we're going to Spiro's after work, you wanna come with?
YOU: I'd love to if I can, but right now I don't know how late I'm gonna hafta work.

StoneyB on hiatus
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2

I would love to if I could

indicates a possibility in case another possibility occurs. This should be the better choice. The context as used in a full sentence may be helpful.

I would love to if I can

indicates a possibility in case some ability exists.

Can indicates ability while could indicates possibility.

So you can say

I would love to if I could find a babysitter for the kids.

But if you say

I would love to if I can get an A on the test.

technically might be OK, but it sounds strange.

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    I dunno. If somebody asks me to a party and I decide I can only go if I get my homework done first, when they say, "Hey, do you want to go to the party?" I would respond, "I would love to if I can get my work done in time." Nothing strange about that. In fact, using could there, implies that you don't think it would be possible. – Jim Mar 19 '13 at 06:31
  • @Jim, if you are using could, does it change the meaning of your sentence? 'I would love to if I could get my work done in time.' – EnglishLearner Mar 19 '13 at 14:09