Could or can
Hello,
When we're dreaming of what we want to do in the future, which is more suitable - can or could?
Example: Now I could/can do what I want. I could/can go to the museum. I could/can do sky diving. I could/can even travel across the world.
Is 'could' appropriate here because these are things we're imagining?
Thanks.
Top answer
The word "now" seems to indicate that some restriction has been lifted, so "can" is right. It is now possible for you to do those things. You are not trying to say that it is potentially possible.
- The word "now" seems to indicate that some restriction has been lifted, so "can" is right.
- It is now possible for you to do those things.
- You are not trying to say that it is potentially possible.
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The word "now" seems to indicate that some restriction has been lifted, so "can" is right. It is now possible for you to do those things. You are not trying to say that it is potentially possible.
0anonymousIs 'could' appropriate here because these are things we're imagining?
No. 'could' is not associated with the idea of imagining in the very broad reading you're thinking of.
However, you can use your sentences with "could" as a report of something in the past that made these things possible for you. "now" will take on the meaning of "at that
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