This word can/could mean...
Consider these sentences, please:
1) This word could mean X or it could mean Y or it could mean Z , depending on the context.
2) This sentence could mean X or it could mean Y or it could mean Z. (the speaker is not very sure)
3) This sentence could mean X.
My questions are:
a) Could in sentence 1) doesn't suggest "maybe this word means". Instead, it suggests "it would be possible for this word to mean". Am I right?
b) Could in sentence 2) and 3) suggests "maybe this sentence means". Am I right? (Although sentence 2) sounds a little strange to me)
c) What is the difference between sentence 1) and sentence 4)?
4) This word can mean X or it can mean Y or it can mean Z , depending on the context.
Top answer
Rizan Malik a) Could in sentence 1) doesn't suggest "maybe this word means". Instead, it suggests "it would be possible for this word to mean". Am I right?
- Rizan Malik a) Could in sentence 1) doesn't suggest "maybe this word means".
- Instead, it suggests "it would be possible for this word to mean".
- Am I right?
- As far as I understand the distinction that you are making, yes.
- Rizan Malik b) Could in sentence 2) and 3) suggests "maybe this sentence means".
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Rizan Malika) Could in sentence 1) doesn't suggest "maybe this word means". Instead, it suggests "it would be possible for this word to mean". Am I right?
As far as I understand the distinction that you are making, yes.
Rizan Malikb) Could in sentence 2) and 3) suggests "maybe this sentence means". Am I right? (Although sentence
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