0
Grapepark Posted 12 years ago
Grammar
Could be/ Could have been
Can these two sentences mean the same?
He could be a successful person.
He could have been a successful person.
If they are not the same so what's the difference?
He could be a successful person.
He could have been a successful person.
If they are not the same so what's the difference?
Top answer
The first sentence clearly implies that he could be a successful person - for clarity the reader would need to see the context or you should add something, such as 'one day' or 'in time'. Now in the sentence as it stands there could be two meanings: either (1) there is some doubt as to whether he is successful or not, now at the present time or (2) the sentence could mean that perhaps in the future he will be successful (probably because already there is some indication of this). This second meaning is the more likely one to most readers.
- The first sentence clearly implies that he could be a successful person - for clarity the reader would need to see the context or you should add something, such as 'one day' or 'in time'.
- Now in the sentence as it stands there could be two meanings: either (1) there is some doubt as to whether he is successful or not, now at the present time or (2) the sentence could mean that perhaps in the future he will be successful (probably because already there is some indication of this).
- This second meaning is the more likely one to most readers.
- The second sentence clearly shows that now the person is not successful and hints at some regret that this is not so.
- Perhaps the person's failures or wrong turnings in life are being discussed.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
6 Answers
0
The first sentence clearly implies that he could be a successful person - for clarity the reader would need to see the context or you should add something, such as 'one day' or 'in time'. Now in the sentence as it stands there could be two meanings: either (1) there is some doubt as to whether he is successful or not, now at the present time or (2) the sentence could mean that perhaps in the futur
00
0
I agree with what Robinjw said.
I feel that, in the right context, 'He could have been' could mean 'It is possible that he was'. Compare:
He could have been successful if he hadn't started drinking so heavily. - He wasn't successful.
He started a computer firm in Stockport. He could have been successful. He certainly had the knowledge and experience. I've los
I feel that, in the right context, 'He could have been' could mean 'It is possible that he was'. Compare:
He could have been successful if he hadn't started drinking so heavily. - He wasn't successful.
He started a computer firm in Stockport. He could have been successful. He certainly had the knowledge and experience. I've los
00
So the sentence "He could have been a successful person." has two meanings according to the context.
1. He might be a successful person but I don't know.
2. He is not a successful person now.
Right?
1. He might be a successful person but I don't know.
2. He is not a successful person now.
Right?
00
0
shininggirl"He could have been a successful person." has two meaningsDefinitely, but see the preceding posts for clarification. Maybe he was vs. Unfortunately he wasn't.
CJ
0
Related Questions