Let's See If We Can't?

Wispy68 | 18:16 Thu 03rd Feb 2005 | Phrases & Sayings

5 Answers

Why do people say, 'Let's see if we can't sort this out', (as opposed to, 'Let's see if we can...?') It really gets on my nerves!

Beatnik

saying

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kempie

I would suggest that 'Let's see if we can... ' is the more pessimistic form, since it implies that there is not a ready solution to the query (i.e. you have to work hard to find an answer); whereas 'can't' suggests you need to try very hard not to find an answer!

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ah9815

Could be a nothern thing - like some from Sheffield. Now you mention it, it is pretty annoying.

CharlieP1973

It's not as bad as the Americans saying "I could care less" rather than "I couldn't care less" - that REALLY gets on my nerves...

landie

Possibly shortened from

Let's see if we (really) can't sort this out.

As if there were a state of conflict and it was worth further perseverance in seeking an effectual outcome.

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