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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

The modal verb 'can'

Hello,

Could you please help me with the following question:

Is it possible to use the modal verb 'can' talking about possibility in the future? For example:

1. Chinese can become the most popular language in the world.

I think may/might/could are more popular in this case..Am I right? Is 'can' possible here, but maybe, less formal?

2. Chinese may/might/could become the most popular language in the world.

What about talking about possibility in the present? For instance:

3. She is not answering. She can/may/might/could be at work.

I think 'can' is ok, but less formal than 'may', 'might' and 'could'...

I would be grateful for your help,

Thank you in advance,

Coincidence
  

Top answer

1. 'Can' is certainly a possible verb, and it expresses more confidence than the others you suggest. 3.

— Mister Micawber

  • 1.
  • 'Can' is certainly a possible verb, and it expresses more confidence than the others you suggest.
  • 3.
  • No, formality is not involved in your sentences; it is a matter of how confident the speaker is in the truth of the information s/he is giving.
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2 Answers
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1. 'Can' is certainly a possible verb, and it expresses more confidence than the others you suggest.

3. No, formality is not involved in your sentences; it is a matter of how confident the speaker is in the truth of the information s/he is giving.
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Thank you very much for your help!

Best regards,

Coincidence
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