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Anonymous Posted 14 years ago
Vocabulary
Do you/can you
Hi,
Is there any difference in meaning between these two sentences?
Do you speak English?
Can you speak English?
Thanks!
Is there any difference in meaning between these two sentences?
Do you speak English?
Can you speak English?
Thanks!
Top answer
Hi, Sometimes no difference is intended. But in some contexts there can be a difference. eg Q - In your office, do you speak English?
- Hi, Sometimes no difference is intended.
- But in some contexts there can be a difference.
- eg Q - In your office, do you speak English?
- A - I can speak English.
- I mean, I know how to.
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8 Answers
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Hi,
Sometimes no difference is intended. But in some contexts there can be a difference.
eg
Q - In your office, do you speak English? .
A - I can speak English. I mean, I know how to. But the people in my
Sometimes no difference is intended. But in some contexts there can be a difference.
eg
Q - In your office, do you speak English? .
A - I can speak English. I mean, I know how to. But the people in my
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There is a significant difference.
The usual question, say, in a foreign country, is "Do you speak English?"
"Can you speak English?" is not the usual question. This would only be used in certain situations that are not usual. For example, an American is off the beaten path in Asia, where very few people speak English. He goes from one person to another asking "Do you speak E
The usual question, say, in a foreign country, is "Do you speak English?"
"Can you speak English?" is not the usual question. This would only be used in certain situations that are not usual. For example, an American is off the beaten path in Asia, where very few people speak English. He goes from one person to another asking "Do you speak E
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Anonymous For example, an American is off the beaten path in Asia, where very few people speak English. He goes from one person to another asking "Do you speak English?"Hi Anon,
Thanks for your reply. Does 'Do you speak English?' in the quote mean 'Can you speak English'?
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I've traveled in foreign countries, and sometimes use one, sometimes the other. I always ask very politely.
Usually I try to learn this question translated into the native language. People appreciate it if you make an attempt to speak their language.
Usually I try to learn this question translated into the native language. People appreciate it if you make an attempt to speak their language.
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Anonymous Anonymous For example, an American is off the beaten path in Asia, where very few people speak English. He goes from one person to another asking "Do you speak English?"
Does 'Do you speak English?' in the quote mean 'Can you speak English'?Hi AlpheccaStars,
Could you please answer my question above?
Thanks for your
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AnonymousIs there any difference in meaning between these two sentences?Yes. Do you ? asks if you do really speak it. Can you ? asks if you have the ability to speak it.
Do you speak English?
Can you speak English?
If you do speak English, then obviously you can speak English. You have the ability to speak it.
However, it
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