specific possibilities

aysaa · Dec 17, 2012

Hello,

'Can' is not used to talk about specific possibilities.

1) A: Where is Linda?
B: Linda can be at home. (It is wrong)

2) A: Where is Linda?
B:I don't know but I can say that Linda can't be at home.

3) A: Can Linda be at home?

I know that the one is wrong but I would like to ask if the second and third are OK or not.

Thanks.

bhaisahab · Dec 17, 2012

aysaa said:
Hello,

'Can' is not used to talk about specific possibilities.

1) A: Where is Linda?
B: Linda can be at home. (It is wrong)

2) A: Where is Linda?
B:I don't know but I can say that Linda can't be at home.

3) A: Can Linda be at home?

I know that the one is wrong but I would like to ask if the second and third are OK or not.

Thanks.

#2 is not natural, we would be more likely to say "I don't know, but she can't be at home"
#3 is possible.

billmcd · Dec 17, 2012

'Can' is not used to talk about specific possibilities.

1) A: Where is Linda?
B: Linda can be at home. (It is wrong) Yes. I would not use it in this way
2) A: Where is Linda?
B:I don't know but I can say that Linda can't be at home. OK if you would think it impossible that she were at home. (A) Is Linda home today? (B) Linda can't be at home. She told me she was taking her daughter to the beach.
3) A: Can Linda be at home? Possible, for example, if you were discussing possible places where Linda could be. (A) Is Linda working today? (B) I think so. Why do you ask? (A) I just called her at the office and they said she took a vacation day. (B) Can she (Linda) be at home?
I know that the one is wrong but I would like to ask if the second and third are OK or not.

Thanks.[/QUOTE]

b.

specific possibilities

aysaa

Senior Member

bhaisahab

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billmcd

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