The differences between may be, might be, and could be

[KMC]

Hi.

We can use may, might and could to express the idea of possibility.

Then, what are the differences between may be, might be, and could be?

If I had gone to the University of Miami, I could have participated in their Spanish immersion program.

In this sentence, can I use "may have" or "might have" instead of "could have"?

Thanks for help.

[JMB1122]

In conversation, if you said "could have", I would assume that you had the qualifications to enter the program.

If you said "may have" or "might have", I would assume you were thinking about entering the program, but not that you were completely qualified.

Another could explain it better (is capable of explaining it better - more definate).

Another may/might be able to explain it better (less definate)

I could fly that airplane. (you would ride in the airplane with me)

I may be able to fly that airplane. (you should ask more questions before you ride in the airplane with me)

Hope that helped...

[KMC]

Thanks ya!!! It's really helpful!

[Tdol]

One comment on the 'may have' form. Some would use it, but others would object to that use, stating that 'may have' implies you don't know whether you enrolled or not.