Basic semantic meaning of modal auxiliaries

[Tdol]

That caaaaaan happen. OR That cooooould happen.

This inotnation wouldn't work for me if 'that' were exophoric, but if it were exophoric, would it still carry the 'assert' meaning?

Originally Posted by tdol

That caaaaaan happen. OR That cooooould happen.

This inotnation wouldn't work for me if 'that' were exophoric, but if it were exophoric, would it still carry the 'assert' meaning?

Yes. Point to the visible results of an action (e.g. dead cat in the living room)and say "See, that can happen if you stick your fingers in a light socket".