4.204 unwillingness: 'couldn't'

'Couldn't' is used in two ways to express unwillingness to do something.

You use it to indicate that you are unwilling to do something because you are afraid, embarrassed, or disgusted.

• I couldn't possibly go out now.
• I couldn't let him touch me.

You use it to indicate that you are unwilling to do something because you think it would be unfair or morally wrong.

• I couldn't leave Hilary behind to cope on her own.
• I couldn't take your last cigarette.

4.205

Other ways of expressing unwillingness are described in paragraphs 4.245 to 4.247.