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"Can" in zero and first conditional.



 
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grunted...if there is any mistake please correct it: Ganesh | use of could/might in present context
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"Can" in zero and first conditional. #1 (permalink) Sat Jul 17, 2010 10:55 am   "Can" in zero and first conditional.
 

Hi, I am somewhat confused by the following and need some clarification.
From my knowledge, modal "can" be included in both zero and first conditionals. It seems to me that "can" is rather flexible in usage.

Zero conditional
When you are quiet, I can study.
Seems to mean:
When you are quiet, I am able to study.

First conditional
When you are asleep (in the future) , I can study.
Seems to mean:
When you are asleep, I am able to study.
OR
When you are asleep, I will be able to study.

Am I correct?

And although both zero & first conditional have this:
When you are... , I am able to study

What I understand is:
For zero conditional, "are" and "am" are both on the same temporal position and happen together.

For first conditional, "are" is of the future, "am" refers to present state and "to study" is a future action.

Opinions? Thank you.
Lycen
You can meet me at english-test.net


Joined: 10 Dec 2009
Posts: 86

"Can" in zero and first conditional. #2 (permalink) Sat Jul 17, 2010 11:24 am   "Can" in zero and first conditional.
 

"Can" can be included in both.
Mordant
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Joined: 12 May 2010
Posts: 1964
Location: United States

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"Can" in zero and first conditional. #3 (permalink) Sun Jul 18, 2010 11:58 am   "Can" in zero and first conditional.
 

Hi Mordant, I know "can" can be included in both zero and first conditional. "Can" seems to mean both "will be able" and "am/is able" to me, could I have some clarifications?

Zero conditional
When you are quiet, I can study.
Means:
When you are quiet, I am able to study.

First conditional
When you are asleep (in the future) , I can study. (I can study when you are asleep)

Does "can" mean:

When you are asleep, I am able to study. (I am able to study when you are asleep)

OR

When you are asleep, I will be able to study. (I will be able to study when you are asleep)
Lycen
You can meet me at english-test.net


Joined: 10 Dec 2009
Posts: 86

"Can" in zero and first conditional. #4 (permalink) Sun Jul 18, 2010 12:02 pm   "Can" in zero and first conditional.
 

It means the latter.
Mordant
Language Coach


Joined: 12 May 2010
Posts: 1964
Location: United States

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