do you think you could

Hi,
Why is "could" used in these sentences while they refer vĩ đại the ability in the present?

Bạn đang xem: do you think you could

Do you think you could be nice vĩ đại my mother next time she comes vĩ đại visit us?
Do you think you could pass má the salt?

I would say it's about the future. :)

It is used vĩ đại talk about the future in conditionals, requests and asking for permission.
You can read about all these uses here on TFD:

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Modal-Auxiliary-Verbs-Could.htm

This is a queer way of asking that. :)

You are on a train.

You would lượt thích someone vĩ đại open a window.

"Open the window" gets you reported vĩ đại the conductor for antisocial behaviour and thrown off at the next stop.

"Can you open the window?" Gets you disapproving stares and tuts for being so sánh rude.

"Could you open a window" people ignore you and nobody moves.

"Could you open a window please?" Somebody grunts and opens the window.

"Do you think you could open the window?" People look at you and measure whether you meant vĩ đại be rude.

"Do you think you could open the window, please? Thankyou." Person smiles, opens the window, asks if that is better.

'Can' asks for ability.

"Can you deliver a parcel vĩ đại this address?"
"Yes, we cover that area."

'Could' requests action.

"Ah, that's good vĩ đại hear. So, could you deliver this parcel vĩ đại this address, please? Thankyou."

'Can' as a request, unless vĩ đại a good mate or a flunkey, is rude.

Tara - forget about grammar and concentrate on manners: "Could?" is always used when asking asking a question. Because we are are always polite when talking vĩ đại strangers, we ask -

"Could you please tell má the time?"
"If I take off my shoes,could I please go in?"
"It's very cold in here. Could you please close the window a little?"
"I wonder if you could deliver this on your way home?"

Thank you very much.
Happy holiday.

Thank you very much thar.
Merry Christmas happy new year.

Thanks a lot Happy new year.

Xap -

You wrote:" Do you think you could pass má the salt?

This is a queer way of asking that. :) "

How many English people vì thế you know? Ever been out for a meal with one? It may sound queer vĩ đại you, but it's pretty everyday in English. (I've had meals at Shelters with junkies, the homeless, alkies and street people. I assure you that even at those places the diners don't think it 'queer' but 'normal'.)

Btw - it really is not a good idea any more vĩ đại use the word "queer" vĩ đại mean weird, or strange, or unconventional.

Meanings constantly change for English words (as you've noticed through old books etc.) and "queer" now is pretty exclusively (except for a few dear old ladies) reserved for meaning "gay". At the very least, usage of it in other ways may produce a grin, giggle or exclamation!

I'm going vĩ đại use the words 'queer', 'gay' and 'rainbow' in their original meaning. And yes, homosexuals are queer.

Xap -

I'm not telling you how vĩ đại speak and what vĩ đại use: I'm just highlighting the pitfalls in English.

Of course Queer People are Queer - that's why they are called Queer!! And THAT's why the words the words have changed completely now.

Of course, also, you can continue vĩ đại use whatever words you like: just remember we are responsible for what we say.

In to-day's world no-one would assume - even as a second-language speaker - you were using those words without knowing what they mean. Thus, continuing vĩ đại use them sends an impolite message vĩ đại others - it makes your position clear i.e. it becomes political.

Unless with good friends or within political meetings, we try vĩ đại keep politics out of everyday speech. There is too much opportunity for misunderstanding, argument, or even violence.

Besides all of that - it hurts other people.

None of knows how many posters here are Gay or Queer folk (I know of 3)- why on earth would anyone want vĩ đại keep on hurting the feelings of people who are helping them in their aim vĩ đại learn English?

I am confused what's happened :(
Thank you very much Romany.

Tara -

Don't worry about it. As you can see, Xap and I are having a different discussion.

Once a poster seems vĩ đại be satisfied with their answer, we vì thế sometimes discuss other aspects of the main point here.

I understand, thanks again.