… he can buy some there next week.

[MichaelLu2000]

Can we use “can” to mean suggestions for third-persons?

For example (this is an example I made up)

A: Jack says he doesn’t have any flour left.
B: If they reopen the grocery store around the corner, he can buy some there next week.

By using “can”, does B’s response sound like a suggestion to Jack?

 

[emsr2d2]

Not really. It’s just a statement of fact.

 

[MichaelLu2000]

Not really. It’s just a statement of fact.

Do you mean that it sounds like buying flour there will be an available option that Jack has the freedom to choose to do?

 

[tedmc]

Yes, you can call it an option or possibility.