I'll try, if I can be present vs I'll try, if I could be present

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'I'll try, if I can be present' implies a possibility of being present in the future, while 'I'll try, if I could be present' suggests a hypothetical situation that may not be possible. The choice between 'can' and 'could' depends on the level of certainty or possibility you want to express.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 2560 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"I'll try, if I can be present"

This phrase implies a possibility of being present in the future. 'Can' is used to express ability or permission in the present or future.

Show examples from the web [+]

Now, if I can just survive the boat-ride with Joxer, I'll be fine.
I can no longer be a doctor if I know that, if pressed, I'll break my oath.
I can see you're busy, so I'll come straight to the point, if I may.
And I said, If I can follow that music, I'll get out into the sunlight and I'll be OK.
But, like studying a frozen caveman, if I can see where you came from, I'll have a much better idea of where you're going.
Thanks, but if you don't need me, I'll turn in earlier, if I can.
Look, if I can, I'll try and come back after I've...
And after it's all over, if I've done the job I know I can do, I'll be positioned - for anything I want.
I'll hate you, if I can otherwise, in spite of myself, I'll love you.
- If I really try, I'll understand.
If I try, Ando and I can appear anywhere.
So I hope you will forgive me if I can no longer be present for the debate after 9 p.m.
No, if I can just see it again I'll be fine!
Okay, if I can read hieroglyphics I can follow simple instructions.
I'll see if I can get a DNA profile and I'll run it through CODIS.
I'll try, that's all I can promise.
I'll see if I can free somebody up.
I'll get to him this afternoon if I can.
I'll stay overnight if I can.
I'll see if I can disarm the Laser.

Alternatives:

I'll try to be present if I can.
I'll try to attend if I can be there.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"I'll try, if I could be present"

This phrase suggests a hypothetical situation that may not be possible. 'Could' is used to express a possibility or ability in a hypothetical or uncertain situation.

Show examples from the web [+]

But... but maybe, if I try, I could be something better than I am.
I'll be okay if I could just lie here a little. Really, if I could just sleep a little.
Or if I could be present.
- If I really try, I'll understand.
I swear, if I could just follow the butler, I'll f...
I could have you up on a harassment charge, if I could be bothered with the paperwork.
I could interpret between you and your love, if I could see the puppets dallying.
I'm going to try, if everything works out, I'll call you.
I'll try, if it doesn't work, no more tactics, call the guy.
Sometimes I think, if I could only get away.
Please, if I could speak with the p...
Now, if I could just find those certificates I have.
Look, if I could just have the chance to talk to her.
Guys, if I could interject briefly here...
I could become President, if I wanted.
I could look like Angelina Jolie, if I wanted...
- I could, if I had a good reason, but...
TONY: Maybe, if I could just check the wiring...
Your Honour, if I could be heard...
Rob, Abigail, iF I could just Finish my thought.

Alternatives:

I'll try to be present if I could.
I'll try to attend if I could be there.

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I'll try, if I can be present vs I'll try, if I could be present

"I'll try, if I can be present"

"I'll try, if I could be present"

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