[Grammar] could or could possibly

[NAL123]

Consider these sentences of mine, please:


a) I called anyone who could recommend a painter.
b) You need to discuss with them how they could help you.


Can I replace could with could possibly in the above sentences? Can I replace could with only might?

 

[NAL123]

You could, but the new sentences wold not mean exactly the same as the original.

Thank you.

How would they be different from the original? Could you please explain?

 

[NAL123]

Crudely speaking 'might' has the idea of 'would perhaps'.

1) Does 'might' have this idea of would perhaps in every suggestion we make? For example:

You might(~would perhaps??) try calling the help desk.

2) Would may and might mean the same in the original sentences?

 

[NAL123]

(once again, in that particular sentence), you could use 'could' with no significant change in meaning.

One last question: From the above discussion, can I say that the difference between could and might in a) is much more significant than in b)?

a) I called anyone who could vs might recommend a painter.

b) You could vs might try calling the help desk.