If Dr. Chen is busy

[MichaelLu2000]

I made up these sentences , and I think using “can” in the last sentence instead of “will be able to” sounds correct. Is it because the speaker is talking about a decision or appointment made based on the doctor’s current schedule?

A: I would like to talk to Dr. Chen now.

B: I am afraid he’s not in the office right now. He will be back tomorrow. Let me check with him first. If he’s not busy, he can meet you tomorrow afternoon.

 

[emsr2d2]

Both "can" and "will be able to" are possible. In this context, any information she gives about this potential meeting will be based on the doctor's schedule. It has no bearing on the verb.

 

[MichaelLu2000]

Both "can" and "will be able to" are possible. In this context, any information she gives about this potential meeting will be based on the doctor's schedule. It has no bearing on the verb.

I think both are fine. Is it common to use “can” for making decisions or appointments based on someone’s current schedule or status?

 

[emsr2d2]

I made up these sentences , and I think using “can” in the last sentence instead of “will be able to” sounds correct.

I think both are fine.

These are contradictory. In post #1, it sounded as if you were saying that the sentence sounded correct to you only if you replaced "will be able to" with "can".
You can't now claim to "think both are fine" when I've literally just told you they are!

Is it common to use “can” for making decisions or appointments based on someone’s current schedule or status?

I wouldn't use "status" there. It has a different meaning. In the context of making appointments in calendars, or just general future events, "can" is commonly used.

The doctor can see you at 2pm on Thursday.
Your manager can meet with you later this afternoon.
My cousin can come and help me in two weeks' time.

 

[jutfrank]

This is what I call 'can' for availability. The doctor is available.

 

[emsr2d2]

@MichaelLu2000 As you can see from jutfrank's response, we can refer to the future using the present tense for more than just "can".

The doctor is available at 2pm next Tuesday.

The feeling behind this, for me, is that it's saying "The doctor currently has a space in his calendar at 2pm next Tuesday". That situation could, of course, change if someone books an appointment for 2pm next Tuesday.
If you say "The doctor will be available at 2pm next Tuesday", it sounds as if there's nothing that can change that situation.

 

[MichaelLu2000]

@MichaelLu2000 As you can see from jutfrank's response, we can refer to the future using the present tense for more than just "can".

The doctor is available at 2pm next Tuesday.

The feeling behind this, for me, is that it's saying "The doctor currently has a space in his calendar at 2pm next Tuesday". That situation could, of course, change if someone books an appointment for 2pm next Tuesday.
If you say "The doctor will be available at 2pm next Tuesday", it sounds as if there's nothing that can change that situation.

I agree. Does original post give you the same feeling that the doctor has a space on his schedule for tomorrow afternoon when “can” is used?

 

[emsr2d2]

I agree.

Good to know!

Does my/the original post give you the same feeling that the doctor has a space on his schedule for tomorrow afternoon when “can” is used?

Of course it does. As I explained, the use of the present tense describes the current situation regarding a future time.
I'm not really sure what you're confused about, to be honest. If someone is looking at the doctor's schedule, with a view to setting up an appointment tomorrow afternoon, there are only two possible outcomes - the appointment gets booked or it doesn't. This can be expressed in multiple ways:

Appointment can be booked:
The doctor can see you tomorrow afternoon.
The doctor will be able to see you tomorrow afternoon.
The doctor is able to see you tomorrow afternoon.
The doctor is available for an appointment tomorrow afternoon.

Appointment can't be booked:
The doctor can't see you tomorrow afternoon.
The doctor won't be able to see you tomorrow afternoon.
The doctor isn't able to see you tomorrow afternoon.
The doctor isn't available for an appointment tomorrow afternoon.

 

[MichaelLu2000]

What I am confused is whether people would view this part “if he’s not busy” as “if he’s not busy right now” or “if he’s not busy on his schedule for tomorrow afternoon”

 

[emsr2d2]

What I am confused is whether people would view this part “if he’s not busy” as “if he’s not busy right now” or “if he’s not busy on his schedule for tomorrow afternoon”

Which do you think is most likely? We already know he's not in the office right now. Would it make a difference to the chances of an appointment tomorrow afternoon if he's busy now?

 

[Rover_KE]

You posted the same thread here.

Please do not post the same question simultaneously to more than one forum. Doing so wastes our valuable time. Instead, post your question to one forum and wait for replies. If you're not satisfied with those replies, you can try another forum, but please indicate in your thread that you've already asked the same question elsewhere (provide a link), and outline why you were not satisfied with the answers you received already.

(teechar)