May\might

[Tdol]

[RonBee]

He could have died = It was a possibility, but it didn't happen
He might have died = We don't know what happened, but it is a possibility that he died

(Perhaps it is an AE/BE difference, but I don't know.)

[Tdol]

I think it is, as I'd use them the other way around. I find it amazing just how many differences there are between the two.

Originally Posted by tdol

It can mean both. Only the context would tell which meaning it is.


You might recall that I had some "might" ideas some time ago.



8)

[Tdol]

In BE, we tend to use it with a single meaning, though some would use it for both.

Originally Posted by tdol

In BE, we tend to use it with a single meaning, though some would use it for both.

I think, "He could have died in that accident." is the more common way of expressing such an idea. Though, I can still imagine "might" being used as well.


he could have = but he didn't

Originally Posted by tdol

I think it is, as I'd use them the other way around. I find it amazing just how many differences there are between the two.

Tdol teacher, I didn't get what you meant 'I'd use them the other way around'. Did you mean that the usage is opposite of AE in BE? Need further details.

[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.

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.

[RonBee]

Originally Posted by darren

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.

:)