Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[hiromichi]

Does "could be sending" mean "can continue to send"?


The timing of the agency�s moves, as the 2012 election cycle gets under way, is prompting some tax law and campaign finance experts to question whether the I.R.S. could be sending a signal in an effort to curtail big donations.
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Hiromichi

[redset]

It means might be sending. The experts are asking "is it possible the I.R.S. is sending a message, to try and influence people who make big donations?"

Continue to send would imply they definitely are sending that signal, that they've been doing it for a while - in that case they would be asking "is it possible for the I.R.S. to keep doing this, or will something prevent them from continuing to send this message?"

[hiromichi]

redset:
Thank you very much again.
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Hiromichi

[rice07]

Let me add something quoted from a grammar book to help you fathom out the finer points:

We prefer present forms (present progressive or going to ...) when we are talking about future events that have some present reality. In other cases we use will. Compare:

1. I'm seeing Janet on Tuesday. (The arrangement exsits now.)
I wonder if she'll recognise me. (not talking about the present)

2. We're going to get a new car. (The decision already exsits.)
I hope it will be better than the last one. (not talking about the present)

[hiromichi]

rice07:
Thank you for your additional comment which is helpful to my understanding the nuance.
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Hiromichi