Difference between could and might

Question

Good day.I would like you to help me with the difference between might and could, because from my point of view there is no any.thanks for your help

Dave Phillips · Accepted Answer

I might be able to help you.

I could help you.

Could is Can.

Might is May.

I may be able to help you/ I can help you.

Ivanhr · Answer

In addition to what Dave has said I'll add a couple of points

May is used when talking about things more likely to happen.

Might is used when talking about things less likely to happen.

I might jump with a parachute once. (probably not very likely)

Might is used as the past tense of may.

He might have gone to see the movie. (you'd say this even if it's quite likely that he went to see the movie)

May is also used to ask for permission.

May I take your car, please?

May I be excused?

Sometimes you can use might instead of may to avoid potential ambiguity.

We may/might go to the party tomorrow. (with may it's not clear if we're allowed to go to the party or we're just likely to go to the party. In this case it's better to use 'might'.)

Could is mainly used for past abilities and polite requests.

I could help you then but now I can't. (past ability)

Could you do that for me , please? (polite request)

Poonam_tcy · Answer

Might is the second form of may. may is use to get permission. May is use for possibility. may be it is good for you.

can is normally use for no permission it is use for the suggestion or order or request.
Could is the past of can.
I couldn't complete my work.
Might is the Past of May. Example John believe that confronting the issues might split his own party.
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English Language
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Difference between could and might

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