Should 'could' or 'can' be used with the present simple tense (when talking about repeated patterns of behaviour)?

Question

Hello! Could you please clarify whether 'could' or 'can' should be used in the sentences below, and why?

1. Alex could be pretty straightforward when he expresses his thoughts. Even if he’s going to say something unpleasant, he never tries to make it sound nicer.

2. Alex can be pretty straightforward when he expresses his thoughts. Even if he’s going to say something unpleasant, he never tries to make it sound nicer.

Thank you!

Answer 1

Both “could” and “can” can be used in these sentences, but they convey slightly different nuances:

1. “Alex could be pretty straightforward when he expresses his thoughts.” - This sentence suggests that in the past, Alex had the ability or tendency to be straightforward, but it doesn’t necessarily imply that he still is. It might be referring to a specific time or situation when he was straightforward.

2. “Alex can be pretty straightforward when he expresses his thoughts.” - This sentence indicates that Alex has the ability to be straightforward, and it is a more general statement about his personality. It doesn’t specify whether he has always been this way or not; it just states that he has the capability to be straightforward when expressing his thoughts.

So, which one you choose depends on whether you want to emphasize a specific past occurrence (using “could”) or make a more general statement about Alex’s personality (using “can”).

Answer 2

Hello Anastasia

I would suggest using "can" in this sentence. From what I read Alex seems to be straightforward most time, so using "can" suggests he is without a doubt. Using "could" makes it seem like he is not always straightforward, which doesn't align with this sentence.

Answer 3

Hi Anastasia,

You should use 'Can' in your sentence.

Explanation:-When we are writing or speaking about the possibility in the present tense, we should use 'can'. For example, if we understand the meaning of your question, possibly Adam, as a part of his nature is pretty straightforward, so we are talking about his behavior in the present. From this example of Adam, we understand that this sentence is spoken by a person who knows Adam and is explaining Adam's behavior to someone else. Now try reading the statements with the use of Can and Could and see if the above explanation brings some clarification to you.

Best,

Answer 4

Using "can" in this sentence means that Alex is likely to be straightforward, which is what the sentence intends.

"Could" suggests that Alex might be straightforward... if he feels like it.