0
Enkit Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

modal verbs

which is better to use in this sentence? and what'xs the rule?

do you think Allan can/might get a job?

"
  

Top answer

They both can be used, but the sense is slightly different. " implies that Allan is actively looking for a job in a tight job market, and his chances don't look good, given the current employment situation. " implies that Allan is not actively looking for employment, although he is qualified and there are jobs available, and here, one wonders if he will ever start looking for one.

— Anonymous

  • They both can be used, but the sense is slightly different.
  • " implies that Allan is actively looking for a job in a tight job market, and his chances don't look good, given the current employment situation.
  • " implies that Allan is not actively looking for employment, although he is qualified and there are jobs available, and here, one wonders if he will ever start looking for one.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

9 Answers
0
They both can be used, but the sense is slightly different.

"Do you think Allan can get a job?" implies that Allan is actively looking for a job in a tight job market, and his chances don't look good, given the current employment situation.

"Do you think Allan might get a job?" implies that Allan is not actively looking for employment, although he is qualified and there are jobs
0
0
In the first context the question implies his capability and in the second one its not about capability.
0
0
that's right. "might" refers to the probability/chance of getting a job.
But the first one, refers to that Allan can definitely get a job.
0
0
enkitDo you think Allan can/might get a job?
Can he? ~ Do the conditions in the job market suggest that he will definitely be successful in getting a job? (If no jobs are available, we have to answer "No, he can't get a job".)
Might he? ~ Do the conditions in the job market suggest that it is likely
0
0
Can refers to ability of getting a job and might is a prediction.
0
0
When someone asks "Can I go to the bathroom?" -- I used to quip back, "If you can't, we'll call a doctor." Emotion: smile (can=ability to, literal
0
0
I need something to know....He was not come ,he has not come,he didn't come..what's the difference between that sentences?
0
0
Anonymous I need something to know....He was not come ,he has not come,he didn't come..what's the difference between that sentences?
Please start a new thread for unrelated questions.
0

Related Questions