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Les Villain
Hi please help.
You can starve to death for all I care.
What's " can " in this sentence.
It means " you can starve to death" possibility "
( If you keep doing this)
but I don't care?
Jan 18, 2025 2:30 PM
Answers · 4
1
Hi Les Villain,
Yes, it's basically saying that the speaker has no concern at all for what happens to the person they're talking to, and won't care even if the person starves to death.
You are correct that "can" conveys possibility.
January 19, 2025
In this sentence, "can" expresses possibility or permission in a dismissive or indifferent way.
Meaning:
It implies that the person is capable of starving to death, and the speaker doesn't care if it happens. It's a way of emphasizing indifference, often used to express frustration or anger.
Your interpretation:
Yes, it's close! It means "You could starve to death (if that's what you want), and I wouldn't care."
January 21, 2025
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Les Villain
Language Skills
English, Filipino (Tagalog)
Learning Language
English
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