modal verbs - The difference between "can be" and "may be"?
WEB"Can" simply means that the observation is possible. There is no reason for it to happen, but it is a possibility. In this context, it doesn't give any indication that the observation is likely to happen. "May" is more direct. It defines a possibility that is more likely to happen, as the observation could be actively made to happen.
CAN, COULD, BE ABLE TO | Learn English
WEBcan, could, be able to. can and could are modal auxiliary verbs. be able to is NOT an auxiliary verb (it uses the verb be as a main verb). We include be able to here for convenience. In this lesson we look at can, could and be able to, followed by a quiz to check your understanding.
Modal Verbs: Definition & Usage Examples | Grammarly Blog
WEBGrammarly. Updated on April 27, 2023 Grammar. Modal verbs can be tricky, but the good news is that they’re simple once you learn how they work. Below, we explain everything you need to know to use modal verbs with ease. Here’s a …
Can Be | Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
WEBidiom. —used to say that what a person does or feels is understandable or that a person should not be blamed for doing or feeling something. See the full definition.
sentence meaning - Correct usage of " Can be " - English …
WEBFeb 26, 2017 · Correct usage of " Can be " Ask Question. Asked 7 years, 1 month ago. Modified 7 years, 1 month ago. Viewed 12k times. 0. What is the meaning of. It can be false. My possible explainations are: 1. The subject "it" is sometimes false 2. The subject "it" is false ( then why "can' is used instead of "is".)
'Can be' or 'could be' - English Language Learners Stack Exchange
WEBSep 17, 2021 · You can use either can or could - the present tense because it still applies, or the past tense because you had the thought yesterday. However, the tenses must agree, so the middle sentence doesn't work. This could be answered using a dictionary - just look up "can" and "could".
can - Oxford Learner's Dictionaries
WEBDefinition of can1 modal verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
Could vs. Can—What’s the Difference? - LanguageTool
WEBCan and could are modal verbs that express possibility or ability. They’re also used to make a request or ask for permission. When referring to ability or possibility, can is used for present scenarios, whereas could is used in the past tense. I can translate that for you.
'can' and 'could' | LearnEnglish - LearnEnglish - British Council
WEBWe use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) You can easily get lost in this town. (= People often get lost in this town.) We use can't or cannot to say that something is impossible: That can't be true. You cannot be serious. Level: intermediate
The verb 'be' | LearnEnglish - British Council
WEBJul 20, 2023 · The verb 'be' Level: beginner. The verb be has the following forms: We use the infinitive form be with modal verbs: It will be dark soon. They might be tired. The verb be is a link verb. It is used: with a noun phrase: My mother is a teacher. Bill Clinton was the president of the US. with an adjective: This soup is very tasty.
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