Talk:Rubi Spottedmane

And ironically, "might" is exactly the meaning of "may" that is the wrong one. | 72 (UTC) 06:09, 9 December 2009 (UTC)

had a feeling so here's definition of might: "aux.v., Past tense of, may.
1. Used to indicate a condition or state contrary to fact: She might help if she knew the truth.
2. Used to indicate a possibility or probability that is weaker than may: We might discover a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
2. Used to express possibility or probability or permission in the past: She told him yesterday he might not go on the trip.
3. Used to express a higher degree of deference or politeness than may, ought, or should: Might I express my opinion?
"

Definition of may: "aux.v., Past tense, might (mīt).
1. To be allowed or permitted to: May I take a swim? Yes, you may.
2. Used to indicate a certain measure of likelihood or possibility: It may rain this afternoon.
3. Used to express a desire or fervent wish: Long may he live!
4. Used to express contingency, purpose, or result in clauses introduced by that or so that: expressing ideas so that the average person may understand.
5. To be obliged; must. Used in statutes, deeds, and other legal documents.
" Neither don't pinpoint that he will be there. Now for can: "aux.v. Past tense , could (kʊd).
A.1. Used to indicate physical or mental ability: I can carry both suitcases. Can you remember the war?
2. Used to indicate possession of a specified power, right, or privilege: The President can veto congressional bills.
3. Used to indicate possession of a specified capability or skill: I can tune the harpsichord as well as play it.
B.
1. Used to indicate possibility or probability: I wonder if my long lost neighbor can still be alive. Such things can and do happen.
2. Used to indicate that which is permitted, as by conscience or feelings: One can hardly blame you for being upset.
3. Used to indicate probability or possibility under the specified circumstances: They can hardly have intended to do that.
3. Usage Problem. Used to request or grant permission: Can I be excused?".
So still think can is the right one?-- riyen ♥ 06:17, 9 December 2009 (UTC)

Yes, read my latest edit summary for a more concise and less red herring answer.

I'll clarify it here just in case: "he might/may [predicate]" is usable for "it may be the case that: [predicate]." In this case, that meaning is wrong. Whereas "can" means "it is the case that sometimes (under some circumstances): [predicate]." While might/may also have that meaning, they are ambiguous and are capable of the wrong meaning, but can is not.

Oh, and to fill the last bit of space I left for confusion, yes, it is the case that sometimes (under some circumstances) he appears. | 72 (UTC) 06:25, 9 December 2009 (UTC)

See Can to me means he will or could definately appear. where as might and may is like eh it's a maybe, a 50/50 chance. I do not understand where you got the "it may be" case out of can. as may is more for may be than can is. -- riyen ♥ 06:30, 9 December 2009 (UTC)

"It can snow in the winter" means sometimes, under the right conditions, it snows, but not necessarily. --★KOKUOU★ 06:35, 9 December 2009 (UTC)

Can never implies certainty of outcome. We just assume it does because that is how it is used in everyday speech too often. (e.g. "Yes, I can") Vili 点 06:35, 9 December 2009 (UTC)

Because of how so many use it everyday, is why I questioned it, rather changed it. -- riyen ♥ 06:39, 9 December 2009 (UTC)

Please ignore Vili's fairly irrelevant answer. What I said and Kokuou paraphrased is correct. If the words mean different things to you, Ariyen, remember that this wiki is in English.

You are arguing the strength of the term in the meaning I said only can has. That's irrelevant. May/Might also have the OTHER MEANING which is WRONG. | 72 (UTC) 06:40, 9 December 2009 (UTC)

Then it should be better worded than it was Thankfully it is now, with you and I tagteaming it to be better. Not weasling out of it, but my southern english taught by english teachers, (even within a couple of years). I learned differently. I was taught to write more as to how it sounds as how young kids might interpret it. Instead of going with more so the 'politically' correct way. -- riyen ♥ 06:44, 9 December 2009 (UTC)

I suppose your English teachers also taught you how to capitalize random words for no rhyme nor reason, and to end sentences as abruptly as they start. Pika Fan 07:01, 9 December 2009 (UTC)

Nope, all on my Own. Thanks. :-) gotta have a Unique style, ya know. Compared to others. -- riyen ♥ 07:05, 9 December 2009 (UTC)