English Language Discussion Forums

**Tdol** · #1 22-Nov-2003, 00:08

**RonBee** · #2 22-Nov-2003, 05:58

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** · #3 25-Nov-2003, 17:35

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.

#4 26-Nov-2003, 05:32

Quote:

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** · #5 26-Nov-2003, 09:41

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

#6 26-Nov-2003, 13:02

Quote:

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

#7 04-Jun-2004, 08:43

Quote:

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** · #8 04-Jun-2004, 11:34

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.

#9 04-Jun-2004, 14:09

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.

**RonBee** · #10 04-Jun-2004, 17:41

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.

:)