Can I Pay by Card?

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David Crystal asks his brother what he thinks about people asking for permission to pay by card. Can is famous for its two meanings, can in the sense of being able to and can in thesense of permission. He says it's a classic ambiguity in modal auxiliaries. The only way out of this is to avoid the auxiliary altogether. David Crystal: If you find something irritating, you will avoid it.

676. David Crystal: Let's Talk - How English Conversation Works

Professor David Crystal returns to talk about his latest books, and more. The first book is all about the art of conversation in English, and the second one is a spy thriller inspired by real events.

David Crystal is one of the world's leading linguists and an expert on the English language. He is also a national treasure and it's a treat to be able to talk to him in this episode. Video version also available on YouTube.

Episode page https://wp.me/p4IuUx-cEY

LEP Premium https://www.teacherluke.co.uk/premiuminfo

YouTube version https://youtu.be/-YZiWvdQ76Q

Let’s Talk - How English Conversation Works (OUP) by David Crystal https://global.oup.com/academic/product/lets-talk-9780198850694?cc=fr&lang=en&

The Encyclopedia Codes by David Crystal https://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Codes-David-Crystal-ebook/dp/B08DDL8N3C/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=david+crystal+the+encyclopedia+codes&qid=1596307248&sr=8-1

Previous Episodes with David Crystal

Episode 454 https://teacherluke.co.uk/2017/05/31/454-david-crystal-interview-part-1-professor-of-linguistics/

Episode 455 https://teacherluke.co.uk/2017/06/06/455-david-crystal-interview-part-2-questions-from-listeners/

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