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PreciousJones Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Suggestion

Our friends are coming to visit and I say to my roommate:

We could stay in the lounge and they can have our bedroom. Or

We can stay in the lounge and they can have our bedroom.

Should I use could or can in this situation? It's like I'm suggesting to my friend and myself about the sleeping arrangements.

Or are both useable here?

Thanks!
  

Top answer

If, at the moment you say this to your roommate, you feel that you have a good idea and can confidently convince her/him that it's a good idea, use 'can'. If, on the other hand, you feel that you have to approach the matter more delicately because your roommate won't immediately agree, then use 'could'. In this kind of situation 'can' is confident.

— CalifJim

  • If, at the moment you say this to your roommate, you feel that you have a good idea and can confidently convince her/him that it's a good idea, use 'can'.
  • If, on the other hand, you feel that you have to approach the matter more delicately because your roommate won't immediately agree, then use 'could'.
  • In this kind of situation 'can' is confident.
  • 'can' is bolder.
  • 'can' shows leadership.
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1 Answers
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If, at the moment you say this to your roommate, you feel that you have a good idea and can confidently convince her/him that it's a good idea, use 'can'. If, on the other hand, you feel that you have to approach the matter more delicately because your roommate won't immediately agree, then use 'could'.

In this kind of situation 'can' is confident. 'can' is bolder. 'can' shows leadersh
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