Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[globe]

Do the following sentences have the same meaning?
Can I say 'in the map' instead of saying 'on the map'?

1)Could you tell me where I am on the map?

2)Could you tell me where I am in the map?

[beancurdturtle]

Number 1 is correct. Though you would probably say that in a telephone conversation. You would probably say "Could you show me where we are on this map?" if you were sitting with the person and the map.

If you wanted to be more precise in requests like this, you would use "would" instead of "could." They can say "yes" to "could" because they have the capacity to meet your request, but then not meet your request.
can and could is about capacity to do something
will and would is about the act of doing

The second sentence is incorrect.
_________________
Daniel

�Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.�
--Dr. Seuss

[Anuradha Chepur]

In polite requests, can and could (extra polite) are used.

In statements can and could imply ability/possibility in the present/future and past respectively.

I can drive. She can swim. You can meet him tomorrow. I couldn't meet him yesterday. And so on.


In questions, besides ability they are also used in requests and permissions.

Can you swim? Can you drive? Could you meet him yesterday?
Could you pass on the salt please? Can/could you tell me where this place is? Can/Could I speak to the Manager please?

[beancurdturtle]

Dr. Chepur,

My education and experience - communications, advertising copy writing, training public speakers - is in a different area than yours, and it shows in the brevity of my responses.

Your answers are about correct English. Mine are about average spoken English in the U.S. - what an American would expect to hear. All to often, two different things.

I say this so people have a realistic perspective of how I answer their questions.

Your comments are perfect. No sarcasm - I mean it.
_________________
Daniel

�Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.�
--Dr. Seuss

[Anuradha Chepur]

Thank you Mr. Bean.

[beancurdturtle]

Standard American Smart@ss conversation:

Susan: Hey Ted, could you hand me a napkin please?

Ted: (grinning) Sure I could. (leans back in his chair, crosses legs, and whistles tunelessly)

Susan: (laughs) Don't be a sh|t Ted. Give me a damn napkin you dumb@ss!
_________________
Daniel

�Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.�
--Dr. Seuss

[Anuradha Chepur]

[CP]

Susan and Ted must be in love.
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[beancurdturtle]