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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Linguistics Studies
Present tense in subordinate clause to refer to future?
In instances like this:
We will see how it goes; 'Goes' is a future action.
What about this example?
I will do whatever I can
Does 'can' refer to 'what I can do now' or is it the same as the above example - present tense but future context?
Thank you!
We will see how it goes; 'Goes' is a future action.
What about this example?
I will do whatever I can
Does 'can' refer to 'what I can do now' or is it the same as the above example - present tense but future context?
Thank you!
Top answer
'Can' with refernce to the context means 'ability' When we mean we have the ability to do something, we say- I can solve this problem. But we refer to the actual performance we use 'be able to' Yesterday I could was able to help him. Similarly we say I can am able to do this work because I am strong.
- 'Can' with refernce to the context means 'ability' When we mean we have the ability to do something, we say- I can solve this problem.
- But we refer to the actual performance we use 'be able to' Yesterday I could was able to help him.
- Similarly we say I can am able to do this work because I am strong.
- ) 'Can' is used to refer an present ability.
- Hence I prefer this: I will do whatever I can will be able to.
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3 Answers
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'Can' with refernce to the context means 'ability'
When we mean we have the ability to do something, we say- I can solve this problem.
But we refer to the actual performance we use 'be able to' Yesterday Icould was able to help him.
Similarly we say Ican am able to do this work be
When we mean we have the ability to do something, we say- I can solve this problem.
But we refer to the actual performance we use 'be able to' Yesterday I
Similarly we say I
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It may be better to think of forms like "goes" and "can" as 'non-past' rather than 'present'. In other words, these forms can apply equally well to the present and the future.
Thus, in "I'll do whatever I can", "can" might be thought of as a future form, although, as I said, it's probably best seen as a 'non-past' form.
CJ
Thus, in "I'll do whatever I can", "can" might be thought of as a future form, although, as I said, it's probably best seen as a 'non-past' form.
CJ
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