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Old 02-Sep-2006, 22:45
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Thumbs up can, could, may, might

What´s the difference between can be, could be, may be and might be in context?
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Old 03-Sep-2006, 01:32
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Default Re: can, could, may, might

According to Oxford,

MAY/MIGHT for something possibly true or an uncertain prediction or intention. MAY is stronger than MIGHT.

EX: You may/might get stucked in traffic if you don't go early.

CAN/COULD for possible future actions.
=> CAN = stronger possibility
=> COULD = distant possibility

EX: We can/could have a party (suggestion)
EX: We may/might have a party (uncertain intention)

FOR UNCERTAIN PREDICTION about the future, use may/might/could NOT can.

CAN as generally possible
EX: Smoking can damage your health.

POSSIBILITY into the past
EX: May have missed the train (perhaps) ( 35%)
EX: The train might have been delayed (perhaps) 30%
EX: The letter could have got lost in the post (it is possible 50%)
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