This could be the courier boy.
Dear all,
Suppose a person named Tom hearing a knock on his door. In this context which of the following sentences are apt for Tom to say. I would also like to know the nuances in their meaning in this context.
1) This would be the courier boy.
2) This may be the courier boy.
3) This might be the courier boy.
4) This could be the courier boy.
Thank you.
Top answer
I would use 'That' instead of 'This' at the beginning. 1) doesn't work too well. It sounds a bit strange to my ear.
- I would use 'That' instead of 'This' at the beginning.
- 1) doesn't work too well.
- It sounds a bit strange to my ear.
- It sounds a little like there isn't anyone knocking at the door at all, but you're imagining a situation like this which may happen in the future.
- 2) and 3) have the same meaning, but 2) is a little more formal than 3).
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I would use 'That' instead of 'This' at the beginning.
1) doesn't work too well. It sounds a bit strange to my ear. It sounds a little like there isn't anyone knocking at the door at all, but you're imagining a situation like this which may happen in the future.
2) and 3) have the same meaning, but 2) is a little more formal than 3).
4) has the same meaning as 2) and 3).
0In my experience, the most common thing to say is 'That's probably the courier'.
Clive
0
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