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Tara2 Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

Can/could be dangerous

Hi!

'could' is the past tense of 'can', why does the first express strong possibility but the second expresses weak possibility?

1- It can be dangerous to cycle in the city.

2- It could be dangerous to cycle in the city.

  

Top answer

Tara2 'could' is the past tense of 'can', why does the first express strong possibility but the second expresses weak possibility? Because 'could' is usually not the past tense of 'can'—for which we more commonly use 'was able to'. 'Could' is usually the conditional or concessive form of 'can'.

  • Tara2 'could' is the past tense of 'can', why does the first express strong possibility but the second expresses weak possibility?
  • Because 'could' is usually not the past tense of 'can'—for which we more commonly use 'was able to'.
  • 'Could' is usually the conditional or concessive form of 'can'.
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1 Answers
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Tara2'could' is the past tense of 'can', why does the first express strong possibility but the second expresses weak possibility?

Because 'could' is usually not the past tense of 'can'—for which we more commonly use 'was able to'. 'Could' is usually the conditional or concessive form of 'can'.

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