Dialogue Writing Techniques

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence, such as 'couldn't've'

adverb a word that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb, typically ending in -ly, such as 'couldn't've'

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause, such as 'couldn't've'

• I couldn’t’ve made it to the meeting on time due to traffic congestion.
• I couldn’t’ve believed my eyes when I saw that surprise party waiting for me.
• I couldn’t’ve even if I wanted to, the store was already closed.
• He couldn’t’ve seen the truth even if it hit him in the face.