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Alc24 Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Definition of "can't" in this sentence?
Could you tell me what can't means in this sentence? Does it mean "can't afford to"
1 If you want to ride in his car, you can't be scared as he drives very fast. (what does “can't be scared mean?)
Thank you
1 If you want to ride in his car, you can't be scared as he drives very fast. (what does “can't be scared mean?)
Thank you
Top answer
" A comma after "scared" would change the sense of it a bit. " - A.
- " A comma after "scared" would change the sense of it a bit.
- " - A.
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4 Answers
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It means "must not be scared."
A comma after "scared" would change the sense of it a bit.
With the comma, it means "since he drives fast." Without it, it means "when he drives fast."
- A.
A comma after "scared" would change the sense of it a bit.
With the comma, it means "since he drives fast." Without it, it means "when he drives fast."
- A.
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alc24Does it mean "can't afford to"More or less. Yes. Much is left out. I would paraphrase it like this:
If you want to ride in his car without being scared/frightened, you had better be the kind of person who is not easily scared/frightened, because he drives very fast.
So, to my ear, "you can't be scared" is an abbreviated form of "you
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CalifJimyou can't be the kind of person who is easily scaredTo mine, it would equally apply to the person who is known to be faint of heart, warning him to cowboy up!
- A.
Edit. I suppose "be the kind of person" is open to interpretation:
You are known to be one kind, but on this occasion you must be
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AvangiYou are known to be one kind, but on this occasion you must be another kind.Oof! Your reasoning is too subtle for me! It makes my brain ache. I'll just take it as true on your say-so!
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