Tell me more ×
English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote -1 down vote favorite

Please tell me if the following sentences have the same meaning or if there is any difference between them.

  1. I can't do this task.
  2. I didn't finish this task.
share|improve this question

1 Answer

up vote 5 down vote accepted

I didn't finish this task

means you did only part of the task, not all of it.

I can't do this task

either means the task is too difficult for you or there is some reason for you not to want to do it even though you are told to.

share|improve this answer
@loy: Thanks for your comment – sri Jan 19 '11 at 6:50
1  
To be nitpicky, "I didn't finish this task" doesn't strictly mean that he did part of it. Maybe he didn't even start it. – Lohoris Jan 19 '11 at 14:06

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.