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Silak12 Posted 9 years ago
Grammar
Could have, would have, might have?
Hi! everyone.
Could you tell me what's the difference in meaning between the three sentences below?
1-I could have done it ,if you had asked me.
2-I might have done it ,if you had asked me.
3-I would have done it ,if you had asked me.
Thanks
Could you tell me what's the difference in meaning between the three sentences below?
1-I could have done it ,if you had asked me.
2-I might have done it ,if you had asked me.
3-I would have done it ,if you had asked me.
Thanks
Top answer
In order of greatest to least certainty: 3, 1, 2. Edit: In fact, (2) can be used in two slightly different ways, either with the implication "I might have done it, but I might not", or as something more or less equivalent to (1). In modern English, the former would be the norm.
- In order of greatest to least certainty: 3, 1, 2.
- Edit: In fact, (2) can be used in two slightly different ways, either with the implication "I might have done it, but I might not", or as something more or less equivalent to (1).
- In modern English, the former would be the norm.
- The latter seems a bit old-fashioned to me.
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4 Answers
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In order of greatest to least certainty: 3, 1, 2.
Edit: In fact, (2) can be used in two slightly different ways, either with the implication "I might have done it, but I might not", or as something more or less equivalent to (1). In modern English, the former would be the norm. The latter seems a bit old-fashioned to me.
Edit: In fact, (2) can be used in two slightly different ways, either with the implication "I might have done it, but I might not", or as something more or less equivalent to (1). In modern English, the former would be the norm. The latter seems a bit old-fashioned to me.
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silak121-I could have done it, ...I would have been able to do it, ... (doesn't say I would definitely have done it)
silak122-I might have done itMaybe I would have done it,... (assumes I was able to do it; doesn't say I would definitely have done it)
silak123-I would ha
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GPY"I might have done it, but I might not",Thanks for the answer sir.
Does the quoted mean "Maybe I would have done it,"?
What does "but I might not" mean up there?
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silak12Does the quoted mean "Maybe I would have done it,"?Yes.
silak12What does "but I might not" mean up there?The negative, or opposite, of "I might".
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