When you say 'the bus' it could mean a particular bus

[Kontol]

What does "could" actually mean? Does it mean "maybe it will..." in this context?

We can use the definite article in several ways. When you say 'the bus' it could mean a particular bus (Look - the bus is coming!) or it could have a general meaning and refer to the means of transportation (I prefer the bus to the train).

 

[jutfrank]

Both instances of could there express possibility. It's possible that it means one thing and it's possible that it means something else.

Is that the answer you're looking for?

 

[Kontol]

Yes, thanks. Can "could" be replaced with "can" in the sentence? If it can, what is the difference, Jutfrank? This choice is kind of confusing to me.


When you say 'the bus' it can mean a particular bus (Look - the bus is coming!) or it can have a general meaning and refer to the means of transportation (I prefer the bus to the train).

When you say 'the bus' it could mean a particular bus (Look - the bus is coming!) or it could have a general meaning and refer to the means of transportation (I prefer the bus to the train).