The difference between these two sentences (about "can/could" )

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Viceidol  #490474  Wed, 19 Mar 08 02:25 AM
Come when you like, I can see you any time. 

Come when you like, I could see you any time.

What's the difference in using different modal here? I think when we are less certain, we use "could". But I'm not sure about this. Am I right?

Thank you for your answer!

  
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CalifJim  #490478  Wed, 19 Mar 08 02:49 AM
 It's a run-on sentence.  It should be two sentences or two independent clauses separated by a semi-colon.

Come when you like; I can see you any time.

With the imperative (Come when you like) I would use only the present can.

I would not mix the tentativeness of could with the openness of any time.

I find the following sentence more in keeping with the idea of could see you.  Note that there is a restriction here -- a condition. (This is the so-called Second Conditional.)

I could see you tomorrow if you came before noon.

CJ 

  
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