0

The normal zero conditional sentence has this structure with either "if" or "when", and uses the present simple in both sides:

A happens if/when B happens.

My question is, can I rewrite the sentence as follows with "can" if I want to indicate possibility?

A can happen if/when B happens.

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

Yes, of course.

You're expressing possibility within the confines of a particular condition. It's no different logically to a statement like prostate cancer can occur in males. It's only a possibility that it can occur, and that possibility can only occur in a specific set of the population. Even if you have to use 'if' or 'when', you're still describing the conditions in which the possibility may occur.

For example:

Flooding may occur if it rains heavily.

This means that heavy rain can cause flooding, but it is only a possibility.

Improve this answer
2
  • Thank you. My doubt comes from the fact that the zero conditional refers to something that happens with 100% certainty. However, when I add "can" to the sentence, this indicates that it is possible but not 100% certain. Isn't it somewhat contradictory and awkward?
    – billeck
    Commented Nov 25, 2022 at 10:35
  • @billeck Why is it contradictory? You're expressing possibility within the confines of a particular condition. It's no different logically to a statement like prostate cancer can occur in males. It's only a possibility that it can occur, and that possibility can only occur in a specific set of the population. Even if you have to use 'if' or 'when', you're still describing the conditions in which the possibility may occur.
    – Astralbee
    Commented Nov 25, 2022 at 12:28

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .