Nanu1
Junior Member
- Joined
- Sep 5, 2017
- Member Type
- Student or Learner
- Native Language
- Kannada
- Home Country
- India
- Current Location
- India
I'm reading a book titled Comprehensive High School English Grammar & Composition. The author, who is Indian, says this on the use of the modal verbs can and could:
Can is used to express "empty use":
Is "empty use" a recognized term among linguists? If so, what does it mean?
Can is used to express "empty use":
- I can walk.
- I can feel summer heat.
- Birds can sing in the trees.
- I could feel the touch of cool breeze.
- They could enjoy soothing showers.
Is "empty use" a recognized term among linguists? If so, what does it mean?