Editor Emily Brewster responds:. This was mentioned in another post above. 4. It [might / may / could] rain this afternoon. (I didn't hurry, so I didn't catch the bus.) 3. Can: is used when asking or giving permission for someone to do something. We could choose a new color of paint for the bedroom. - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary The joke might be funny to people that have a sick sense of humor, but, in … What is the difference between can, could, might should, and ought? The same reasoning applies with other non-agentive situations: The cake is too big, but the cookies [might / may / could] fit in this box. Could vs Might vs May. I might join you if I finish early. 2. Difference Between Can and Could Difference Between May and Might Difference Between Can and May Difference Between Will and Shall Difference Between Offer and Invitation to Offer (Treat) Difference Between Should, Ought to and Must. I thought I could borrow your car. The story could be true, but I don't think it is. The entries for each of these include the complete definitions, as well as many example sentences, so I will discuss here only the aspects of each that I … Active 1 year, 2 months ago. Unlike might and may, could does not occur with as well. ; My aunt could only crawl before the operation, but now she can walk and run. The general term for might and could is modal (auxiliary) verbs. Might definition is - —used to express permission, liberty, probability, or possibility in the past. A more descriptive term and recent trend is epistemic stance. I will try to give you a very general idea, regarding the difference in meaning. I could have caught the bus if I had hurried. Hi! He might/could have died. I thought you would lend me a pound. ; So in these two cases, you might have observed that can is used to represent present condition of the subject, but could is used to reflect a past ability, as could is nothing but a past form of can. Which one of the following is commonly used in daily British English conversation? A reader asked for some guidance on using the modal verbs "may," "might," "can," "could," and "ought." The modal auxiliary verbs would, could and might can be used to make questions, suggestions and requests less direct and therefore more polite.. When I was young, I could only sing bhajans, but now I can sing classical songs. The difference depends on the context and situation. Viewed 8k times 4. (He didn't die.) Couldn't + perfect infinitive is often used with comparative adjectives: It was a great year, and I couldn't have been happier. (I was very happy) Can, could or may ? Comments. Krathika S Shetty says. Ask Question Asked 3 years, 9 months ago. 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