[Grammar] "My tea and food is/are delicious."

[tedmc]

I'm sorry, but I don't see the point you are trying to make.

You said earlier that we hoped for a certainty, and I pointed out that this was not so.

We do indeed hope for something positive - that is part of the meaning of the verb.

We can hope for something probable. In the recent elections in America, both Republicans and Democrats hoped for success for their candidates. Many would have thought that the success they hoped for was probable.

How would you explain the preference of can to could then?

 

[tedmc]

My hope is that there is/will be a possibility of your being able to help me: I hope you can help me.

Why would there be a preference for could in that situation?

I didn't say the preference for could to can. it is the reverse.

 

[teechar]

Dear Mr Bond,

So ... I was wondering if you could help me.

My issue was with the use of "hoped"!

Let me know!
Anna Mossity

She has a twin sister, Annie. :lol:

 

[emsr2d2]

My issue was with the use of "hoped"!


She has a twin sister, Annie. :lol:

:shock: I was absolutely sure I'd written "I was hoping you could help me!" Even so, that doesn't use "hoped". Time for bed. Oh, hang on, no, it's time to get up.

 

[Rover_KE]

The original question was answered in post #2.

Thread closed.