If you rob banks, it can/could get you into trouble.

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

Moderator: Alan

Locked
Newton
Member
Posts: 42
Joined: Sat Apr 18, 2020 8:50 pm
Status: Learner of English

If you rob banks, it can/could get you into trouble.

Post by Newton »

1) If you rob banks, it can get you into trouble.

2) If you rob banks, it could get you into trouble.

3) If you get on the number 4 bus, you can get to the city center.

4) If you get on the number 4 bus, you could get to the city center.

In all of them, "you" is either generic or specific. Are they all first conditional sentences that refer to the future?
User avatar
Alan
Teacher/Moderator
Teacher/Moderator
Posts: 15204
Joined: Mon Dec 29, 2003 7:56 pm
Status: Teacher of English
Location: Japan

Re: If you rob banks, it can/could get you into trouble.

Post by Alan »

I would say that #1~3 are well-formed first conditionals, but #4, where 'could' = would be able to (and not simply 'might' as in #2), should be rephrased as a 2nd conditional (If you GOT...).
Locked