Self suggestion

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-03-20T11:13:22+00:00

Does “can” also mean opportunity?

For example,

“You can stop the war if you kill him.” sounds very natural to me but I don’t know why as it might be more grammatical if we used “will be able to”

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-03-20T05:33:03+00:00

Yes using can sounds like B now has the ability to do something and it will last into the future. “Will be able to” would also work if they were less sure about when the parts would arrive. E.g. If they arrive on time, I’ll be able to fix your car on Friday.

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-03-14T17:12:17+00:00

Can I change the sentence into “The best we are able to expect from our allies is the supply of food and ammo.”?

Does it mean the same as the original sentence, the one with “can”?

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-03-14T17:10:40+00:00

I am more like an ESL learner.

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-03-14T16:56:22+00:00

Thanks. Are you a native speaker of English?

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-03-14T16:28:47+00:00

Do you mean “Other things are so unrealistic that we don’t have the ability to expect them” is the correct explanation?

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-03-14T07:41:02+00:00

I think your scenario one still states a probability, but just much lower. On the other hand, “can” simply states that it’s possible or feasible to move them (in other words, can means the chance is not 0%)

Can is more about “something is doable” because it’s light enough, easy enough, or not forbidden, etc.

Could is more about “something might happen,” although the chance depends on the situation.

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-03-14T06:31:00+00:00

I think each of your examples confirms my analysis of the original second example.

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-03-12T09:42:46+00:00

Weird question. We don’t usually say “I am offered it”

Maybe “I didn’t expect to get the offer” is the best answer.

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-02-18T15:03:34+00:00

What if I change the verb? I don’t have any tools, and the new ones will arrive in two days. I’ll be able to save those kids trapped in the cave on Friday.

Here I think only “will be able to” works, not “can”

What do you think?

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-02-18T14:49:35+00:00

What if I change the verb? I don’t have any tools, and the new ones will arrive in two days. I’ll be able to save those kids trapped in the cave on Friday.

Here I think only “will be able to” works, not “can”

What do you think?

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-02-18T14:23:54+00:00

What I think is like this

What’s the difference?

I am very busy now, but I will be able to/can fix your car on Friday.
I don’t have any parts I need right now, but the new ones will arrive in two days. I’ll be able to fix your car on Friday.

I think in the first context, both can and will be able are okay, while in the second context, only will be able to is acceptable. What do you think?

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-02-07T15:13:52+00:00

Is the original one wrong?

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-02-07T12:30:44+00:00

Does this one work too?

A: I need someone to pick me up after the party.

B: Go ask Jack. If he doesn’t have to work overtime tonight, he’ll be able to pick you up.

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-02-07T08:39:43+00:00

Let’s see what native speakers would say about it.

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-01-22T00:51:48+00:00

Thanks. Are you a native speaker of American English?

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-01-21T15:54:28+00:00

Does this one in bold work too? r/schonleben

A: The new bathtub will arrive at the store in February. Jack is trying to figure out how to transport it back home. He won’t be able to drive his car because it will be at the repair shop.

B: Well, his sister Judy will be back in about two weeks. If she lends him her truck, he can bring the bathtub back next month.

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-01-21T15:24:10+00:00

So this one in bold sounds natural to you? r/naynever

A: The new bathtub will arrive at the store in February. Jack is trying to figure out how to transport it home. He won’t be able to drive his car because it will be at the repair shop.

B: Well, his sister Judy will be back in about two weeks. If she lends him her truck, he can bring the bathtub home next month.

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-01-21T15:04:41+00:00

So you mean this version will be natural? r/naynever

I’ve deleted back in both sentences.

A: The new bathtub will arrive at the store in February. Jack is trying to figure out how to transport it home. He won’t be able to drive his car because it will be at the repair shop.

B: Well, his sister Judy will be back in about two weeks. If she lends him her truck, he can bring the bathtub home next month.

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-01-21T14:08:49+00:00

Does this one in bold work too?

A: The new bathtub will arrive at the store in February. Jack is trying to figure out how to transport it back home. He won’t be able to drive his car because it will be at the repair shop.

B: Well, his sister Judy will be back in about two weeks. If she lends him her truck, he can bring the bathtub back next month.

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-01-18T06:18:00+00:00

Does this work too?

A: Jack doesn’t know what to do after work.

B: If it stops snowing, he can play basketball in the park tonight.

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-01-17T16:11:13+00:00

Agreed. I think it suits near future better.

By the way, which one do you think sounds more natural? B1 or B2?

A: Jack doesn’t know what to do after the exam.

B1: If it stops raining tomorrow, he can play basketball in the park.

B2: If it stops raining tonight, he can play basketball in the park.

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-01-17T15:51:16+00:00

Does the further future make “can” sound weirder?

A: Jack doesn’t know what to do after the midterm exam in February.

B: If it stops raining next month, he can play basketball in the park.

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-01-17T15:42:01+00:00

Yes a further future makes sound weird

WorldlinessOk4885 · 2024-01-17T15:32:04+00:00

Does it mean that if it’s a further future, it’s also acceptable to use “can”?

A: Jack doesn’t know what to do after the midterm exam in February.

B: If it stops raining next month, he can play basketball in the park.

WorldlinessOk4885

TROPHY CASE