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Teo Posted 20 years ago
Grammar
can/could(American English)
Mary: Could I borrow your umbrella? John: Yes, you ___. (A)can (B)could
Which is the correct answer to the above question?
Which is the correct answer to the above question?
Top answer
A. Though personally, I think "Yes, you can" sounds a bit stiff.
- A.
- Though personally, I think "Yes, you can" sounds a bit stiff.
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14 Answers
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John: There's the doorbell. Who _ it be? (A) can (B) could (C) may (D) might Mary: Well, it _ be your mother. (A) can (B) could (C) may (D) might
What are the correct answers to the above questions?
What are the correct answers to the above questions?
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Hela,
The use of "could" to mean "can"* is not possible in that context - an "assertive" context.
The use of "could" to mean "can"* in such contexts is restricted to "non-assertive" contexts, e.g., negations and questions.
[ What is true of the "could"/"can" pair in this respect is generally true of the "might"/"may" pair as well:
Might I borrow this book?
The use of "could" to mean "can"* is not possible in that context - an "assertive" context.
The use of "could" to mean "can"* in such contexts is restricted to "non-assertive" contexts, e.g., negations and questions.
[ What is true of the "could"/"can" pair in this respect is generally true of the "might"/"may" pair as well:
Might I borrow this book?
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CalifJimHela,
The use of "could" to mean "can"* is not possible in that context - an "assertive" context.
The use of "could" to mean "can"* in such contexts is restricted to "non-assertive" contexts, e.g., negations and questions.
[ What is true of the "could"/"can" pair in this respect is generally true of the "mi
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Hmm. Let me rethink how that "rule" has to be stated.
I'm trying to say this:
Could I have some more cake?
No, you can't. *No, you couldn't.
I suppose the "negation" thing doesn't work, does it?
Good catch!
CJ
I'm trying to say this:
Could I have some more cake?
No, you can't. *No, you couldn't.
I suppose the "negation" thing doesn't work, does it?
Good catch!
CJ
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Can he be working at this time? No, he can't.
Can he be working at this time? Yes, he __.
Which modal verb should I use to fill in the blank?
Can he be working at this time? Yes, he __.
Which modal verb should I use to fill in the blank?
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John: There's the doorbell. Who can it be?
Mary: It __ be your mother.
Can I use can to fill in the blank?
Mary: It __ be your mother.
Can I use can to fill in the blank?
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You probably can use "can", but most speakers are going to use "could" in my opinion. "will", "may", and "might" are also OK.
CJ
CJ
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