Thread: Можете открывать окно.

There is a small class room with one window.
Suppose that everyone wants to take in fresh air and wants to open the window.
This situation obvious to everyone including the teacher.
Namely, the opening the window is a known action (звестсное действие).


The teacher says to students: Можете открывать окно. <- Is this a correct expression in this case?

Thank you in advance.

Just открой окно if you want somebody to open the window

можешь открыть окно sounds like you're giving permission to open the window

Можете открывать окно. It could be said this way when openning the window seems like it's going to be some kind of process: getting to the window, moving away shades, climbing on the window sill and so on.

It could be said if teacher asks to close the window for science (for example) before and now it is over and they can open the window again.

Originally Posted by Yuki

The teacher says to students: Можете открывать окно. <- Is this a correct expression in this case?

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Hello Yuki,
1) I think the right way to put this request in words would be:
Можете открыть окно. (Kind of - You may (can) open the window. (I give you my permission.))
It's a one-off action.

2) Можете открывать окно, as Lampada correctly points it out, would imply a relatively long process. (Kind of - You may (can) be opening the window)
3) Можете открывать окно, can also be used in a situation which happens on a regular basis. For example,

- Дорогие студенты! Я хочу чтобы вы знали, что вы можете открывать окно всякий раз перед моей лекцией, когда на улице жарко.