[Grammar] When I finish, I can speak...

[NAL123]

Consider this sentence, please:

When I finish the advanced level English class, I can speak like a native speaker.

Is the use of "can" correct here or do I have to use "will be able to" instead?

 

[jutfrank]

You have to use will be able to since you're talking about a specific future ability.

 

[NAL123]

You have to use will be able to since you're talking about a specific future ability.

Don't we use "can" to refer to future abilities? In other words, doesn't "can" ever mean "will be able to"?

 

[jutfrank]

Not usually, no. I don't think it's worth looking for exceptions to this rule.

 

[Rover_KE]

I hope you're not expecting that outcome to become reality.:roll:

 

[NAL123]

I hope you're not expecting that outcome to become reality.:roll:

Of course not, given the large number of varieties of English, and then there are different accents, dialects, regional differences:roll:.

 

[NAL123]

You have to use will be able to since you're talking about a specific future ability.

What about the negative "can't":

If you don't finish the advanced level English class, you can't speak like a native speaker.

Is it correct?

 

[emsr2d2]

What about the negative "can't":

If you don't finish the advanced level English class, you can't speak like a native speaker.

Is it correct?

No, that doesn't work either.

If you don't finish the advanced English course, you won't be able to speak like a native speaker.

Note that the responses saying we don't use "can" to refer to the future are correct when "can" is being used to mean "be able to". When it's used in the context of permission, it's OK.

When you finish your homework tomorrow, you can go to the park.
Next month, when the restrictions are changed, we can play group tennis sessions again.

 

[GoesStation]

What about the negative "can't":

If you don't finish the advanced level English class, you can't speak like a native speaker.

Is it correct?

It's not logical. You should place the second clause in the future whether it's affirmative or negative.

 

[NAL123]

No, that doesn't work either.

If you don't finish the advanced English course, you won't be able to speak like a native speaker.

Note that the responses saying we don't use "can" to refer to the future are correct when "can" is being used to mean "be able to". When it's used in the context of permission, it's OK.

When you finish your homework tomorrow, you can go to the park.
Next month, when the restrictions are changed, we can play group tennis sessions again.

Thank you. We have so far talked about "ability" and "permissibility" meanings of "can". What about the "possibility" meaning? Are the following correct, where "can" is used to indicate future possibility?

a) If you arrive early, you can catch a ride to the game with me.

b) Mike can help you with your homework, if you ask him nicely.

c) Can you look after the baby if we go to the cinema?

d) You can’t make it to the football team if you don’t play well.

 

[emsr2d2]

They're all OK.

 

[emsr2d2]

I would say that a and c are OK for future possibility. b is more like ability/willingness. d is more likely to use "won't" if spoken by a native speaker but "can't" isn't impossible, in my opinion.