Thread: May\might
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Old 04-Jun-2004, 17:41
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Quote:
Originally Posted by darren
Quote:
Originally Posted by tdol
In BE, the following would be used:

1- He might have died. (he survived an incident where there was a possiblility of dying)
2- He may have died. (we don't know whether he has died or not- he's missing up a mountain in a storm, say.)

However, the distinction is being eroded and many people now are using 'may' for the fisrt meaning.
Tdol teacher:
He might have died (BE)=He could have died(AE)
He may have died(BE)=He might have died(AE)
I hope i got it right.Feel free to correct me if any.
I think you have it right. I would say "He could have died to indicate that he survived a harrowing experience. I would say "He might have died" to indicate that I don't know the outcome.

:)
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