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USF Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
Could and can
Could you please check them?
I could be a doctor.
{
two possible meaning:1) past ability 2)present imaginary.
}
I can do this.
{
only possible meaning: I am able to do this.
}
I can be a doctor
{
I think "can become" is better, however, it seems it refer to future and the ability of becoming a doctor. But I'm not sure if I can use "can" in here.
}
I could be a doctor.
{
two possible meaning:1) past ability 2)present imaginary.
}
I can do this.
{
only possible meaning: I am able to do this.
}
I can be a doctor
{
I think "can become" is better, however, it seems it refer to future and the ability of becoming a doctor. But I'm not sure if I can use "can" in here.
}
Top answer
I could be a doctor. two possible meanings:1) past ability-- No: that is why we have the form 'was able to'. 2)present possible.
- I could be a doctor.
- two possible meanings:1) past ability-- No: that is why we have the form 'was able to'.
- 2)present possible.
- -- OK I can be a doctor-- OK
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3 Answers
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I could be a doctor.
two possible meanings:1) past ability-- No: that is why we have the form 'was able to'. 2)present possible.
I can do this.-- OK
I can be a doctor--OK
two possible meanings:1) past ability-- No: that is why we have the form 'was able to'. 2)present possible.
I can do this.-- OK
I can be a doctor--OK
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Thank you Mister Micawber. 
But what is the difference between
(For present)
I can be a doctor.
I c
But what is the difference between
(For present)
I can be a doctor.
I c
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Words like 'imaginary' and 'hypothetical' are tossed about, but it is just a matter of relative probability in the present or future. For example, I don't know my nephew very well, and I am not sure what he does: he could be a doctor or he could be a mortician or he could be a dentist.
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