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Warrener Posted 21 years ago
Grammar
Can't or Unable to?
A sentence: If you think the car is driving too slowly and you are unable to pass, you should pull back.
What's the difference between can't and unable to?
Can I say: "If you think the car is driving too slowly and you can't pass, you should pull back" ?
What's the difference between can't and unable to?
Can I say: "If you think the car is driving too slowly and you can't pass, you should pull back" ?
Top answer
Hello Warrener 'Able/unable to' is often used in instructions and descriptions, because it's a neutral phrase with no other emotional connotations. ' To my ears, for instance, 'and you can't pass' could have a very slight tinge of emotion: as if you've been trying your hardest to pass, dammit, but just can't . ) MrP
- Hello Warrener 'Able/unable to' is often used in instructions and descriptions, because it's a neutral phrase with no other emotional connotations.
- ' To my ears, for instance, 'and you can't pass' could have a very slight tinge of emotion: as if you've been trying your hardest to pass, dammit, but just can't .
- ) MrP
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4 Answers
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Hello Warrener
'Able/unable to' is often used in instructions and descriptions, because it's a neutral phrase with no other emotional connotations.
'Can/can't' on the other hand often has a sense of 'permission', as in your 'Can I say...'
To my ears, for instance, 'and you can't pass' could have a very slight tinge of emotion: as if you've been trying your hardest t
'Able/unable to' is often used in instructions and descriptions, because it's a neutral phrase with no other emotional connotations.
'Can/can't' on the other hand often has a sense of 'permission', as in your 'Can I say...'
To my ears, for instance, 'and you can't pass' could have a very slight tinge of emotion: as if you've been trying your hardest t
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Mr P:
'Can/can't' on the other hand often has a sense of 'permission', as in your 'Can I say...'
JTT: I believe, Mr P, that you are conflating two ideas that, while they CAN sometimes be close, are not here. I suggest that it's quite than a stretch to suggest that Warrener is asking permission here. This 'can you' is one of "Is it possible to ...?"
I think that in some
'Can/can't' on the other hand often has a sense of 'permission', as in your 'Can I say...'
JTT: I believe, Mr P, that you are conflating two ideas that, while they CAN sometimes be close, are not here. I suggest that it's quite than a stretch to suggest that Warrener is asking permission here. This 'can you' is one of "Is it possible to ...?"
I think that in some
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you are conflating two ideas
Fair point. 'Can I say' in the original post is not a true 'permissive' 'can'.
MrP
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warrenerCan I say: "If you think the car is driving too slowly and you can't pass, you should pull back" ?
warrenerCan I say: "If you think the car is driving too slowly and you can't pass, you should pull back" ?
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