Questions tagged [can-modal]
The can-modal tag has no usage guidance.
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Can vs Could difference in usage
While I was just watching Instagram, I saw a post by some celebrity. In that video he said:
Hellow guys, I could not be more excited for today's post
What if we use can not Instead of could not here?...
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1answer
18 views
Which should we use?'Can' or 'could'?
Is it possible to use 'can' instead of 'could' in this sentence?
It encouraged me to bring my old coats for the homeless so that they could stay warm.
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Past Perfect Tense of Can in “If-clause” Type 3
Which one is correct and why?
We would have been pleased if you could have come.
We would have been pleased if you had been able to come.
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1answer
21 views
cannot be diligent
Someone told me "cannot" isn't used properly in the following because it means "incapable or unwilling." Do you think it's incorrectly used? I saw it being used to talk about ...
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1answer
33 views
Is there a difference between “can't” or “couldn't”?
He spoke so quickly that I can't understand him at all.
He spoke so quickly that I couldn't understand him at all.
What is more correct?
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1answer
14 views
can - be able to in the same sentence
Is it possible to use them in the same sentence? For example,
I can swim, but today I am not able to, because I have hurt my leg.
Many natives find the sentence not idiomatic. What do you say?
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1answer
217 views
Can't have + V3 or Couldn't have + V3
Is there any difference between the following sentences?
If Jones was at work until six, he can't have done the murder.
If Jones was at work until six, he couldn't have done the murder.
1
vote
2answers
63 views
Can/will vs could/would in IF clause
I have a question about can vs could in the IF clause.
If you could contact us directly, it would be helpful.
If you can contact us directly, it will be helpful.
Which one do you think is ...
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1answer
66 views
(Why + can) - Is it a possible structure?
If I said:
It can be insecure since it has two possible ways of getting forged.
Then, would it be possible to ask the question like this:
Why can it be insecure?
I find it unnatural and maybe ...
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2answers
132 views
Could have vs could in an example (single event vs longer time period)
I would like to know whether I get it right:
The siblings lived with abusive parents. They could run away anytime if they
wanted.
Would this be correct if I mean this as their ability over the ...
6
votes
1answer
145 views
How can I convince people that Could is the past form of Can?
Here in Korea, a lot of public educations are not in a great state. People have been educated too simply that the past "Tense" of Can is Could. But they never learned or been told deeply, so they get ...
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1answer
141 views
Can vs. Will be able to
We use can to talk about future actions which we will be able to do because of present ability, present circumstances, present decisions etc.
• She can win the race tomorrow if she tries really ...
