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Ceph Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Past future?

I have a question regarding the clause "might not be able to".

You could ask him for aid, he might not be able to help though.

Here it refers to the present situation.

What about this?

He told me that he wanted to workout that evening.
Later on that day, he texted me saying that he might not be able to make it.

I suppose it refers to the past future here? i.e. he might (not be able to make it that evening)?
Correct me if I am wrong. Thanks.
  

Top answer

Both cases refer to the future. They refer to the time in the future when the person knows whether they will be able to do something or not. At the time when those statements are made, it's not known whether the decision will go one way or the other.

— KrisBlueNZ

  • Both cases refer to the future.
  • They refer to the time in the future when the person knows whether they will be able to do something or not.
  • At the time when those statements are made, it's not known whether the decision will go one way or the other.
  • The decision will be made at some time in the future.
  • 1.
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1 Answers
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Both cases refer to the future. They refer to the time in the future when the person knows whether they will be able to do something or not. At the time when those statements are made, it's not known whether the decision will go one way or the other. The decision will be made at some time in the future.

1. Alex: "You could ask him for aid; he might not be able to help though."
2. Bob:
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