Could?

Question

A: "I thought you needed to study."B: "Well, going to the museum could help me review."Is this indicating possibility, but not a guarantee? This is because "could" means ability, which says that museums have the ability to help the person review, but it doesn't guarantee, right?What about: "Your parents can help you." CONTEXT: Someone has trouble with their homework, and asks for help from a friend.Is this a possibility or a guarantee?I am pretty sure this one is a guarantee as it's saying that they have the ability to help the person, which means that if they help, they will help.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

B: "Well, going to the museum could help me review."
A: "I thought you needed to study."

could = maybe will in this context. That's a possibility.

Going to the museum could help me review.
= Maybe going to the museum will help me review.

CONTEXT: Someone has trouble with their homework, and asks for help from a friend.
Is this a possibility or a guarantee?
What about: "Your parents can help you."

I would not use the word 'guarantee' to describe this situation because it suggests that you will definitely have help. Having an ability does not mean that the ability will be used. Rather than a 'guarantee' it's an assertion.

Your parents can help you. = Your parents have the ability to help you.

they have the ability to help the person, which means that if they help, they will help.

The underlined portion is somewhat illogical. If you intended to write

If they can help, they will help.

then I should tell you that the sentence does not say that. In fact, no sentence with 'can' claims that the ability in question will be put into effect.

CJ

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