student asking question

Is there a difference in saying between "are you willing to say" and "can you say?"

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

There's a slight difference! "Are you willing to say" means to ask if someone WANTS to say something, whereas "can you say" indicates ability, such as restrictions or risks outside of someone's control, like a work contract or something like that. Ex: A- Are you willing to say what side you agree with? B- I'm willing. But according to my contract, I can't. Ex: Can you say what side you agree with?

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